The 2012 Presidential Awards
More than 20 years ago, former President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 276 declaring December of every year as Month of Overseas Filipinos as a tribute for overseas Filipinos and encourage their participation in the development activities in the country. Recognizing their significant role in national development, the Philippine government, through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), conducted various activities to honor overseas Filipinos for their outstanding achievements and contributions. One of these activities is the CFO Awards which was conferred by President Aquino to 34 overseas Filipino individuals and organizations in 1991.
In the same year, President Aquino issued Executive Order No. 498 institutionalizing the Awards naming it the Presidential Awardsfor Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. The Executive Order specifically designated the CFO to develop an awards system for Filipino individuals and organizations overseas who have contributed, in the form of selfless programs and endeavors, to our country’s relief, rehabilitation and development programs.
Since its inception, the awards have so far been extended to 338 Filipino individuals and organizations from 44 countries. President Fidel V. Ramos conferred the first and second sets of Presidential Awards to 22 and 45 awardees in 1993 and 1996, respectively. President Joseph E. Estrada conferred the third and fourth sets of Presidential Awards to 30 and 59 awardees in 1998 and 2000, respectively. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth sets of Presidential Awards to 34 (with one special citation), 45, 48, and 31 awardees, in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008, respectively. President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the last set of Presidential Awards to 24 awardees in 2010.
The Presidential Awards honors distinguished Filipino individuals and organizations overseas, who by their exceptional achievements or humanitarian efforts, have given form and substance to Filipino excellence and the time – honored values of pakikipag -kapwa, pagtutulungan, and pagkakaisa. The awardees include exemplars of Filipino excellence, individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of the Filipino people, stewards of community initiatives that promote cooperation for the common good, and advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of others. Civil society organizations based overseas, whose programs for intervention have helped improve the lives of others, particularly the marginalized, will also be honored in observance of the timeless tradition of pakikipagkapwa-tao and bayanihan.
The awards shall be open to Filipino individuals, associations (both formal and informal), communities overseas, as well as foreign private individuals and organizations abroad.
Any individual or organization, whether Filipino or foreign, based in the Philippines or overseas may submit nominations for the awards. Nominations can be submitted through the Philippine Embassy, directly to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, or online through www.cfo.gov.ph. The awards may be given posthumously.
All nominations submitted through mail or online must be received by the CFO on or before 15 June 2012. Non-submission of the required complete documents may be a cause for disqualification of the nominee from the awards. The Awards Ceremonies will be held in December 2012 at the Malacañan Palace, Manila.
More information on the awards and nomination procedures can be accessed at http://www.2012presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph/.
Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-bound Passengers in all Airports and Seaports in the Country
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995”, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022 and other related laws, the following guidelines, providing for definite parameters in the strict enforcement of immigration departure formalities intended for the prevention of trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and other related offenses, are hereby promulgated for strict implementation/compliance by all concerned:
New Tourism Campaign Wows International Travel Experts
This year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum at Manado, Indonesia witnessed the new Philippine brand launch with the line – ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines.’
“ATF 2012 is a perfect platform to introduce to some 1,600 international delegates composed of buyers and sellers, the NTO community and media delegates,” Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.
Focusing on the country’s core strength, the campaign singles out what no other destination can offer – and that is the Filipino people. The Lonely Planet guidebook calls Filipinos ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’ Meanwhile, a constant truth that comes out in the passenger exit surveys is the “warmth and hospitality of the people.”
“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” says the new tourism chief, who accepted the post in September 2011.
The Filipinos are already known around the world to be one of the happiest and warmest people on earth. In a survey conducted among expatriates by international bank HSBC, it was revealed that the Philippines is the 8th friendliest country for them.
The campaign hopes to enjoin the whole country in creating positive buzz of the tagline. The campaign was trending on Twitter Friday noon when it was earlier introduced to local media. Catching like wild fire, netizens flooded the web with creative ways to interpret the line through do-it-yourself-memes which could likely land on shirts, billboards, stickers and other collaterals.
Meanwhile, the ‘#1FORFUN’ local slogan aims to rally the Filipino nation to strengthen and sustain this well-appreciated fun character and be a “constant reminder to make sure people’s experiences in our country are positive, enjoyable, and most of all, fun,” Jimenez added.
The presentation was well-received during the Philippine-hosted dinner on 13 January 2012 at the Sultanraja Hotel. The occasion was graced by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Rosario Claudio Aguinaldo and Consul General Jose Burgos.
Exciting travel prizes were raffled off from generous sponsors Philippine Airlines and various hotels and tour operators. The high spirits continued until curtain fall with participants dancing to band music and cheering the world-class performances by top Filipino artists.
Philippines registered very healthy growth in number of visitors from around the globe. From January to November 2011, visitor arrivals reached a total of 3, 522, 887 surpassing the 2010 year-end arrivals of 3, 520, 471.This feat recorded an increase of 12.66% over its previous year’s volume of 3,126,886 covering the same months. The biggest arrivals were registered in July with a volume of 360,784 visitors while the month of November recorded the highest growth of 19.80%.
During the same period, visitors from the Middle East Region posted very good increase of 19.35% compared to the same period last year. The region’s top visitors were from Saudi Arabia (+28%), UAE (+11%) and Kuwait (+18%), which all registered positive gains.
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Closed on 23 January 2012
Per Proclamation No.295, s. 2011, please be advised that in celebration of Chinese New Year, the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines shall be closed on 23 January 2012. On other dates, regular timings apply.
UPDATE 2: Typhoon Sendong Donations and Relief Operations
Per the results of the coordination meeting convened last 6 January 2012 by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the following are advised:
- Operations in the areas affected by Typhoon Sendong are in the early recovery stage. Priority needs are tents, blankets, folding beds, temporary shelters, cooking utensils, GI sheets, generators and school supplies for children.
- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) of the NDRRMC is the focal point for the logistical requirements for the transport of humanitarian supplies coursed through government agencies while the World Food Program (WFP) handles the international organizations and non-government organizations
- Dragoslav Djuraskovic (Manila), Djuraskovic@wfp.org, +63917 829-3175
Anna Young (Cagayan de Oro), anna.young@wfp.org, +63971 880-9371
UN World Food Program-Philippines, 5/F GC Corporate Plaza, 150 Legazpi St
Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229 Philippines, +632 750-2561 or 751-9166 loc 2300 Fax 750-2562 - While donations of used clothing consigned to the DSWD are accepted, it is still discouraged. Cash donations are encouraged.
- Donations not covered by diplomatic notes/ bilateral agreements will have to pass through the One-Stop Shop for clearance in Cagayan de Oro head by the Bureau of Customs with the DSWD as the primary consignee. A similar Desk will be installed in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this week.
- The Department of Health (DOH) encourages donations in cash instead of medicines. DOH shall advise if there is a need for medical missions.
The Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to thank the Filipino Community in Dubai and N. Emirates for all the efforts to provide succor and relief to the victims of Typhoon Sendong.
PCG Supports Hakbang Buhay 2012
6 January 2012 – Officials of the Consulate General of the Philippines and POLO-OWWA Dubai, led by Consul General Benito Valeriano and labor Attache Amilbahar Amilasan, joined the “Hakbang Buhay 2012 – Walk for Life – Sendong (Washi) Victims” at Al Safa Park, Dubai. The event was organized by the Dubai Philippine Business Council headed by Chairperson Lucille Ong in cooperation with UAE Red Crescent, Islamic Affairs for Charitable Activities Department, various institutions, business groups, and Filipino organizations. Those in attendance donated AED50 which will be sent to the Philippine Red Cross. Consul General Valeriano led the walk around the park.
More news here.
PCG Commemorates Rizal
30 December 2011 – The Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines commemorated the 115th Death Anniversary of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal today at the Consulate General’s premises.
Consul General Benito B. Valeriano led the Flag-raising Ceremony at 9 in morning with officers and personnel of the Consulate General, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, OWWA and Pag-Ibig in attendance led by labor Attache Amilbahar Amilasan, and a few Filcom leaders.
Consul General Valeriano, in his speech, exulted the national hero, ang Haligi ng Bayan (Pillar of the Nation) for his selflessness and a life dedicated towards the advancement of the Filipino excellence, identity, and nationalism. He also gave thanks to all the officers and staff of the mission for doing their best in the performance of their functions amidst the realities in Dubai and N. Emirates.
Labor Attache Amilasan read the message of Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. He also reiterated the attached agencies’ commitment to the one-team approach in the performance of duties and responsibilities.