Recognized FilAms for Achievement and Distinguished Service

The Banaag Award is given in recognition of the achievement and distinguished service of overseas Filipinos. It began in the early 1990s. At that time, the Filipinos overseas were ignored, if not overlooked, because they were believed to be uninterested in the political, economic and social developments in the homeland. Nothing is farther from the truth.

Today, Filipinos overseas are being given recognition at home because despite the distance, they are considered a significant part of the Philippines. This is exemplified by laws that facilitate their participation in Philippine affairs like the Dual Citizenship Law

In Florida, there have been only two Banaag Awardees, both from the Tampa Bay Area.

Claire Ick, a 5-year term PCFI president, was awarded the prestigious Philippine Presidential Award “Banaag” 2000 for her outstanding achievement in leading the Filipino-American community's effort to build the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex. Dr. Philip Lewis received the award for Ms. Ick from President Joseph Estrada in a ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in Manila.

The Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) received the Philippine Presidential Award “Banaag” 2006 for its outstanding achievement as an organization that benefited its community and Filipinos overseas.

Among the notable individuals who received the prestigious award is Greg Macabenta, publisher  and editor of Filipinas Magazine. Mr. Macabenta was also the immediate past National Vice Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

Reuben S. Seguritan, a lawyer by profession, and the current General Counsel of the NaFFAA, was among the first awardees honored for the 1992-1993 presidential awards, where there were 158 nominees from 21 countries. The selection committee composed of representatives from the government, mass media, private and religious sectors, took over a year to decide. The finalists were interviewed individually. There were 11 individuals and 10 organizations who made it.

Instituted in 1991, the Presidential Awards, is given bi-annually to a select group of individuals and organizations rigorously screened from hundreds of nominations from all over the world. The awardees are selected for their excellence in work, untiring service to the Filipino people, dedicated leadership in community initiatives that promote the common good, enduring advocacy for the promotion and protection of the rights of others, and significant role in uplifting the lives of Filipinos in marginalized sectors.

The Presidential Awards carries four categories. The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines.

The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos, who in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. (Basta Pinoy News with PIA/OPS reports)