MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 112, January 15, 2026 ]
DIRECTING ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES TO SUPPORT THE CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2026 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR FILIPINO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OVERSEAS (PAFIOO)
WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 498 (s. 1991) institutionalized the PAFIOO as a biennial award conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines to outstanding overseas Filipinos, as well as foreign individuals and organizations, in recognition of their exceptional achievements, humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, and significant contributions to Philippine development and the advancement of the interest of the Filipino diaspora.
WHEREAS, since the establishment in 1991, the PAFIOO has been conferred by seven (7) Presidents to 555 individuals and organization from 55 countries and territories, emphasizing the enduring excellence, selfless service, and deep commitment of overseas Filipino and international partners to nation-building;
WHEREAS, Section 3(d) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 72 (s. 1980) or "An Act Creating the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), and for Other Purposes," mandates the CFO to initiate and directly undertake the implementation of special projects and programs, whenever necessary, to promote the welfare of Filipinos overseas with respect to their interests and activities in the Philippines.
WHEREAS, the CFO has opened the call for nominations for the 2026 PAFIOO from 11 December 2025 to 29 May 2026. covering the following award categories: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Banaag Award, Pamana ng Pilipino Award, and Kaanib ng Bayan Award, after which the nominations shall undergo a multi-stage evaluation process leading to the conferment of the awards in December 2026; and
WHEREAS, the successful conduct of the 2026 PAFIOO requires the dissemination of information and the active participation of government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the general public in identifying and endorsing qualified nominees;
NOW, THEREFORE, the following are hereby ordered:
All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to extend full support to the CFG in the conduct of the 2026 PAFIOO.
Further, the Presidential Communications Office is also directed to implement effective measures to inform and encourage the public to nominate qualified individuals in the 2026 PAFIOO.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 15th day of January, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.
By authority of the President:
(Sgd.) RALPH G. RECTO
Acting Executive Secretary
The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation
