The Year 2010Presidential Awards

for Filipino Individualsand Organizations Overseas

The cover page design is an ancient Philippine script which means Gawad ng Pangulo.(Reference: National Museum)

The facts and accounts of circumstances that are contained in the profiles of the Year 2010Presidential Awards were taken from the materials submitted to the Awards Secretariat forconsideration of the nominations.

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MALACAÑAN PALACEMANILA

Time and again I have acknowledged the invaluablecontribution of our overseas Filipinos to national development andnation building. They have shared their skills and expertise toenable the Philippines to benefit from advances in science andtechnology. Remitting more than $70 billion in the last ten years,they have contributed significantly to our country's economicstability and social progress of our people. Overseas Filipinoshave also shown that they are dependable partners, providingadditional resources to augment programs in health, education,livelihood projects and small infrastructure in the country.

We pay tribute to Filipinos overseas who have dedicatedthemselves to uplifting the human condition, those who haveadvocated the cause of Filipinos worldwide, and who continue tobring pride and honor to the Philippines by their pursuit ofexcellence.

I ask the rest of the Filipino nation to join me incongratulating the 2006 Presidential Awardees who have shownthe best of the Filipino. I also extend my thanks to the men andwomen of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and the variousAwards committees for a job well done in this biennial search.

Mabuhay kayong lahat!

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Manila14 December 2010

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

My warmest greetings and congratulations to the recipients ofthe 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals andOrganizations Overseas.

This year’s awardees exemplify the spirit of unity and public servicethat is much needed in this time of hope and renewal. I salutethe overseas Filipinos that we are honoring through this award,for their professional accomplishments and civic involvementsthat have helped uplift the communities they serve. You are asource of pride and inspiration for us all. I also commend ourforeign partners for their solidarity with us as we rebuild andtransform our nation.

Through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, our administrationwill keep working to strengthen the ties between the Filipinocommunities worldwide, and we will always support the personalprogress of our countrymen abroad. Let us continue togetheralong the straight and righteous path to peace, prosperity, andstability.

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Office of the President of the Philippines

COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

IMELDA M. NICOLAS Secretary

Manila14 December

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On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Commission onFilipinos Overseas and the observance of the Month of OverseasFilipinos this December 2010, once more, we pay tribute to thedistinguished men, women, and organizations in whose heartsand minds love of country has been enshrined.

Likewise, we publicly acclaim the exemplary role of our foreignfriends who unselfishly give of their time and resources to mitigatethe challenges that confront our people, here and abroad.

To all of you—we extend our heartfelt gratitude and deepadmiration.

Since 1991, the search for the more than 314 awardees can belikened to a diver’s quest for the perfect pearls from the Philippinesouth seas that have found their way to the showrooms of theworld. The harvest has been bountiful, the luster of yourachievements and contributions is appealing. Like a string ofpearls, we proudly claim you and brag about you so that wecan put meaning to the claim that the competitive advantageof the Philippines lies in its valuable human resource interlinkedthe world over.

And we can be certain—that there are and will be more wherethey came from as we work together to move beyond promisesand realize genuine Philippine development for all under thesecond Aquino administration.

Mabuhay!

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsLingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Awardees

Alarcon, Teresita Calderon ..............................................................................13Martinez, Ruth C. .................. ............................................................................14North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians ................. 15Philippine American Association of Connecticut .................................. 16Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V. ......................................... 17

Kaanib ng Bayan AwardeesCaritas Lebanon Migrants Center .................................................................21Lam, Phoebe Bik Che ........................................................................................ 22Lam, Sunny Kai Chor........................................................................................... 23Salpeter, Simha ................................................................................................... 24

Banaag AwardeesAbagat, Dr. Emely D. ....................................................................................... 26Computer Society of Filipinos International ............................................ 27Congress of Visayan Organizations .............................................................. .28Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel ............................................. 29Gange, George G. .... ....................................................................................... 30Kasimieh, Marilyn Wafa R. .............................. ................................................31Kinding Sindaw .................................................................................................. 32Olalia, Sr. Lucia C. .............................................................................................. 33Ybo, Evangelina V. ........................................................................................... 34

Pamana ng Pilipino AwardeesCana, Lilac L. ..................................................................................................... 37David, Angelito DL. ..........................................................................................38De Asis, Fred S. ................................................................................................... 39Gener, Bernard Randy G. ... .......................................................................... 40Navarro, Lillibeth E. ........................................................................................... 41Totengco, Rafe ................................................................................................ 42

Programme ............................................................................................................. 43About the Awards ................................................................................................... 452010 Awards Committees ................................................................................... 46Gallery of Presidential Awardees .................................................................... 48Directory of 2010 Awardees ................................................................................. 53About CFO ............................................................................................................... 56Awards Secretariat .................................................................................................. 59

Lingkod sa Kapwa PilipinoLingkod sa Kapwa PilipinoLingkod sa Kapwa PilipinoLingkod sa Kapwa PilipinoLingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino

The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award isconferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their

exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction,progress and development in the Philippines.

Awardees

Teresita Calderon AlarconUnited States of America

Ruth C. MartinezAustralia

North Central Virginia Association of Philippine PhysiciansUnited States of America

Philippine American Association of ConnecticutUnited States of America

Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V.Germany

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Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino

Teresita Calderon AlarconTeresita Calderon AlarconTeresita Calderon AlarconTeresita Calderon AlarconTeresita Calderon AlarconUnited States of America

In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to Teresita Calderon Alarcon, the President commends hereffective leadership and unselfish dedication to community service specifically through the Feed the Hungry,Inc. and her sustained personal commitment to address the needs of the underprivileged in the Philippines.

American educator, Dr. Booker T.Washington once said, “The mostuseful and influential persons arethose who take the deepestinterest in institutions that exist forthe purpose of making the worldbetter.” One such person wouldcertainly be Ms. Teresita CalderonAlarcon.

In the late 1980s, Ms. Alarconmoved to the United States to workat the International Monetary Fundas a Senior Administrative Assistant.Notwithstanding her personalchallenges as a young widow bythat time, she was stil l able toallocate time for other causes andeventually became the president of the World Bank/IMF Filipino Association from 1991 to 1993. It was duringher stint as president that the organization receivedthe Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award in 1993from President Fidel V. Ramos in recognition of themany humanitarian and civic initiatives implementedduring her stewardship.

In 1998, another organization, Feed the Hungry, Inc.(FtH), which she co-founded in 1992 with her husbandPablito Alarcon, received the LINKAPIL Award fromPresident Joseph Estrada for its various development-oriented contributions to the underserved in thePhilippines.

An organization that was borne out of Ms. Alarcon’svision and mission to share the blessings of thefortunate with the least fortunate, the FtH startedwith a budget of $6,500 which was used to distributegifts and food bags to Filipino street children andorphans. More than two decades later, the FtH haslegions of volunteers both in the U.S. and in thePhilippines who spend their own resources to go onFtH missions. It has evolved into a 501 (c) (3)organization and established itself as one of theleading organizations in the U.S. known for its altruismand responsiveness to the needs of destitute Filipinos.

Even after it was conferred the LINKAPIL Award in1998, FtH remains committed to its goals. It continues

to be the largest contributor to theLink for Philippine Developmentprogram of the Commission onFilipinos Overseas (CFO) at anygiven year. From 1999 to 2009, FtHhas donated a total of PhP83,733,530.34 worth ofdevelopment assistance to thePhilippines. It has reached out tobeneficiaries in 77 of the 79Philippine provinces and providessupplemental feeding, gifts,calamity relief, educational andscholarship assistance, classrooms,and livelihood opportunities.

In 2009 alone, FtH brought in somePhP 8.5 million worth of assistance

to 19 provinces in the Philippines including MetroManila. FtH assistance accounted for 15.17% of thetotal development assistance received by the CFOfor that year. Nearly 60% of FtH donations in 2009 werefor long-term use infrastructure projects such asclassrooms, water wells, and low-cost housing whilenearly 10% was dedicated to livelihood projects. Allthese were accomplished because of Ms. Alarcon’sindefatigable and unrelenting efforts.

Under Ms. Alarcon’s leadership, FtH is able to sustainits efforts through the years. She has raised the neededfunds to meet the FtH’s targets through personalsolicitations, golf tournaments, formal balls, and otherfund-raising initiatives. To date, she continues toinspire FtH members and volunteers to assist those whoare experiencing serious difficulties in learning how tohelp themselves.

As a testament to her dedication in providingservices to help the poorest of the poor, Ms. Alarconhas been a recipient of various awards and citationssuch as the 2008 Chicago Filipino-American Hall ofFame Award, 100 Most Outstanding Filipino Womenin the U.S., and the 20 Most Outstanding Filipino-Americans. She was also a finalist in the BayaningPilipino sa Amerika–Gawad Geny Lopez, Jr. Award ofthe ABS-CBN Foundation.

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Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino

Ruth C. MartinezRuth C. MartinezRuth C. MartinezRuth C. MartinezRuth C. MartinezAustralia

In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to Ruth C. Martinez, the President recognizes her dynamicleadership and sustained commitment to community service through projects that have made clean water,health care and relief programs accessible to impoverished communities in the Philippines.

“We make a living by what we get,but it is through hard work, effort,and willful tenacity to help theunderprivileged that we make a lifeby what we give.” This adage hasbeen the driving force behind thehumanitarian service of thisremarkable Filipina.

Ruth Carlos Martinez is the currentpresident of the Rotary Club ofBrighton Beach (RCBB) in Victoria,Australia. Attracted by theorganization’s spirit of service andits commitment to do good in theworld and have a positive impacton people’s lives, she joined RotaryInternational in 2003. Given herstatus as a foreigner, it was not surprising that Ms.Martinez chose to be assigned to handle RCBB’sInternational Services.

With the full support and encouragement of the club,Ms. Martinez visited the Philippines in 2004 to identifyand evaluate opportunities for RCBB to engage in anaid project. Finding such an opportunity and getting itoff the ground are two of the biggest challengesfaced by Rotary clubs. For a small club like BrightonBeach with only 25 members, this also requires apersonal commitment on her part to allocate timeand be able to personally attend to funds sourcing.

The visit inspired the RCBB to commit to funding aClean Water Program in the provinces of Pampangaand Tarlac. It involved the installation of a pump anda well that provided clean and safe water forimpoverished families in the Madapdap Resettlementarea in Mabalacat, Pampanga. With additional fundingfrom the Rotary Foundation, it was followed by a majorwater rehabilitation project which included a reservoirof spring clean water that was gravity-fed at elevenkilometres below sea-level for the benefit of threeAeta villages in Bamban, Tarlac.

In 2008, Ms. Martinez spearheaded the Bio-SandWater Filter (BSWF) Project in coordination with theRotary Club of Metro Sorsogon. With a fund of US$9,500that she was able to secure from the RCBB and theRotary Club of Boroondara, Ms. Martinez supervisedthe production of over 200 units of bio-sand water

filters which were used to purifywater, make it more potable, andreduce cases of gastro-enteritis andother water borne diseases. The filterswere distributed to differentbarangays in 16 municipalities in theprovinces of Sorsogon andCamarines Sur.

As an off-shoot of the project, theMuklat Kabataan BSWF Cooperativewas organized in Bulan, Sorsogon. Thecooperative is composed of out-of-school youths who were trained in themaking of bio-sand water fi lterswhich now serve as their source oflivelihood.

In that same year, Ms. Martinez launched RCBB’s Aidto Municipalit ies Project, by facil itating theconstruction of a major water distribution systemwhich now supplies clean filtered water to over 6,000people in the Municipality of Bacon, Sorsogon. Thisinvolved the construction of two water reservoirs, asmall dam, two intake tanks, and four water stations.The project also includes the donation of an ultra-sound machine to the Sorsogon Provincial Hospitaland medical supplies to the Sta. Magdalena HealthCenter and the Castilla Health Center, both inSorsogon.

With supplementary funding from five other RotaryClubs in Victoria, Ms. Martinez implemented thesecond phase of the Aid to Municipalities Project in2009, facilitating the donation of anti-rabies vaccines,antibiotics, and other medicines to various districthealth centers in the province of Sorsogon; theprovision of medical supplies to the Castilla DistrictHospital and the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital; theestablishment of a fish and aqua-culture livelihoodprogram in Juban, Sorsogon; the education sponsorshipand donation of school materials to children at theOur Lady of Virgin of Guadalupe Orphanage in Juban,Sorsogon; and the donation of relief goods to victimsof typhoon Ondoy in Rizal.

Ms. Martinez is currently coordinating theimplementation of a renewable energy project andthe construction of a water distribution system inLubang and Cabra islands in Mindoro.

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Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino

North Central Virginia Association of Philippine PhysiciansNorth Central Virginia Association of Philippine PhysiciansNorth Central Virginia Association of Philippine PhysiciansNorth Central Virginia Association of Philippine PhysiciansNorth Central Virginia Association of Philippine PhysiciansUnited States of America

In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to the North Central Virginia Association of PhilippinePhysicians, the President recognizes its many accomplishments and continued commitment to extend healthcare services and other philanthropic activities to benefit underserved communities in the United States andthe Philippines.

The North Central VirginiaAssociation of Phil ippinePhysicians or NCVAPP is aprofessional organization ofFilipino physicians practicingand residing in the state ofVirginia. Since its inception in1983, NCVAPP has reached outand fostered goodwill amongits members and thecommunities they servethrough involvements in localcommunity services inFredericksburg, Virginia, andneighboring counties.

In 1983, NCVAPP initiated thefirst annual community healthfair in Spotsylvania Mall, Virginia, to check and screenpatients for diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, breastcancer, cervical cancer, sexually transmissiblediseases, foot problems, scoliosis, and dental problems.In partnership with the Fredericksburg Catholic Church,NCVAPP also conducts free weekly health check-upsat the Fredericksburg’s Homeless Shelter.

For more than three decades, the group has beenconducting free flu and pneumonia vaccinations toindigents and senior citizens of Fredericksburg. Theyhave provided free school and sports physicalexaminations in Planning District 16, the most populousdistrict in Virginia with an estimated population of300,000 and includes the counties of Spotsylvania,Stafford, King George, and Caroline.

The NCVAPP took an active stance in the preventionof teenage pregnancies and provided seed moneyto the Rapapahannock area program on teenagepregnancy prevention (RAPTAPP). This supportenabled the organization to hire a communicationsdirector and enlist 13 public schools to participate inweekly educational lecture series underscoringhealthy living by abstaining from alcohol, tobacco,sex, and violence. In three years, RAPTAPP’s effortsled to a 35-40% decline in teen pregnancy rates, teenviolence, and alcohol use. Its teaching module alsoearned state government recognition and became atemplate for teen education in Virginia.

NCVAPP also helps promote Filipino culture in theVirginia area through their Sinagtala Dance Troupewhich performs various Filipino folk dances during the

organization’s annualconvention, fund-raising ball, andin other gatherings andcelebrations.

Since 1986, NCVAPP hasevolved into an organizationwhich supports not only health-related community initiatives inVirginia but also in underservedcommunities in the Philippines. Itfunds and conducts medicalmissions in cooperation withother Phil ippine medicalsocieties in the United States,including the Association ofPhilippine Physicians of Americaand the Society of Philippine

Surgeons in America, among others.

NCVAPP funded the renovation of the AklanProvincial Hospital through the Philippine Economicand Cultural Endowment’s (PEACE-USA) Adopt-a-Hospital Program. The renovation included theexpansion and air conditioning of the operating roomsand facilities, the purchase of medical equipment, andthe construction of an additional room for minorsurgeries. The group also co-sponsored the conductof medical-surgical missions in Aklan. They support theeducational and health care projects of the provinceby providing scholarship grants to local nursingstudents and through donations of medicines andhospital equipment.

A foremost supporter of PEACE-USA’s artesian wellsproject, NCVAPP helped raise the needed funds forthe construction of water wells in needy areas in thePhilippines that have no access to potable water.NCVAPP is also a staunch supporter of Gawad Kalinga(GK) projects and has significantly contributed to theconstruction of the Fil-Am Friendship GK VillageCommunity Center in Taguig City.

NCVAPP is also at the forefront in the promotion ofFilipino unification in America by actively assisting thefounding of the Filipino United Network (FUN), anational civic organization of Filipino-Americanleaders. In 2006, NCVAPP promoted FUN’s UnityCongress by hosting the Global FUN Summit, whichwas attended by leaders of various Fil-Am nationaland medical organizations as well as representativesfrom Gawad Kalinga.

Philippine American Association of ConnecticutPhilippine American Association of ConnecticutPhilippine American Association of ConnecticutPhilippine American Association of ConnecticutPhilippine American Association of ConnecticutUnited States of America

In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to the Philippine American Association of Connecticut, the Presidentrecognizes its unwavering commitment and support to medical, educational, and social projects in the Philippines, andits sustainable initiatives to keep overseas Filipinos and their descendants aware of our rich cultural heritage.

Over its 45-year existence, thePhilippine American Association ofConnecticut or PAAC has neverwaned in actively presenting thePhilippines to the region as thecountry’s dynamic culturalambassador, advocate of causesto benefit U.S.-based kababayan,and the strong l ink to themotherland through itsdevelopmental projects.

The humble beginnings ofConnecticut’s oldest Fi l ipinocommunity organization can betraced back to 1965 when a groupof young Filipino Yale Universitystudents and health careprofessionals came together insearch for a “home away from home.” Finding comfort ineach other’s company, they in turn attracted andwelcomed other Filipino immigrants based in Connecticut. Thereafter, they created a refuge for homesick Filipinos andcame together to share familiar traditions and customs ofthe Philippines.

Today, the membership of the PAAC includes experts andskilled individuals engaged in various trades, industries, andfields from all over the state. The association has matured inprofound ways. It no longer exists just as a social club butserves as a vehicle for the promotion of Filipino culture inthe United States and for the delivery of needed assistanceto improve the lives of their countrymen back home.

PAAC is recognized as a resource base of Philippine culture. Its Youth Dance Troupe is the cultural ambassador andperforms in schools, universities, town fairs, hospitals andnursing homes in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. It is proud of the talent pool that makes up the Rondallaand chorale groups which reflect the ethnic diversity of thecommunity at-large.

The PAAC’s involvements put a premium on theeducation of second generation Filipinos in the GreaterNew Haven and nearby areas by undertaking culturally-oriented projects. The Camp Mabuhay is an intensive 3-day camp that provides Filipino children who have beenadopted by American families a taste of the homelandcustoms and traditions. The Paaralang Pilipino is a summerlearning program where children are introduced toPhilippine history, culture, dance, music, language, crafts,and the arts.

The members participate in theannual March of Dimes, andvolunteer for the Special Olympicsand Soup Kitchens. The group co-sponsors the annual Simbang Gabisa Konsulado and joins in the yearlyPhilippine Independence DayParade in New York City withmembers performing streetdancing routines.

PAAC’s assistance to thehomeland is extended in the formof medical missions, scholarshipprograms, and financial assistanceto various causes that benefit theunderserved sectors in thePhilippines.

The Tulong Kapwa surgical missionwhich was initiated in 2008 has since become an annualproject of PAAC. The group has conducted these in theprovinces of Negros Oriental and Laguna. The surgeriesinvolved operations of the cleft palate and otherdeformities as well as gynaecologic procedures. During itssurgical missions, PAAC donated medical supplies andequipment worth over PhP 200,000 to the Teresita JalandoniHospital in Negros Oriental and PhP 500,000 to the LagunaProvincial Hospital and the JP Rizal Memorial Hospital inLaguna.

PAAC has been providing scholarships to deservingstudents in the United States and the Philippines since the1980s. In 2007, the association started a morecomprehensive scholarship program by sponsoring threecollege scholars in the Philippines. Each scholar received agrant of US$1,000 per annum over a four year period. Thescholars were chosen based on needs and academiccriteria. In March 2010, two scholars graduated withdegrees in education while in October 2010, the third scholargraduated with a bachelor of science in chemistry degreefrom UP Los Baños. Under the PAAC scholarship program,an additional five grantees have been chosen and willcomplete their degrees by 2013.

The association has also raised funds to support theClassroom Galing sa Mamamayang Pilipino AbroadProgram of the Philippine government, the renovation ofthe Philippine Pediatric Pavilion of the Quezon Institute,the charitable projects of the Sisters of Charity in TaclobanCity, the relief efforts for victims of typhoon Ondoy in MetroManila, and the displaced settlers resulting from the fightingin Mindanao.

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Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino

In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to the Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V., the President recognizes itsunrelenting efforts to unite the Filipinos and Germans in Oberberg, and render invaluable assistance and services for the benefit ofvarious sectors in the Philippines.

In 1996, a group of Filipinos in theOberbergisscher, a small district south ofCologne, Germany, met inGummersbach to discuss ways of unitingFilipinos and Germans living within theirarea by means of holding monthlycelebrations of the Holy Mass. The well-attended masses paved the way forthe inception of the Philippine GermanCommunity Oberberg e.V. in 1997. Itsmission is to foster internationalunderstanding and culture, particularlybetween Fi l ipinos and Germannationals. Cognizant of their differencesand their various needs, the memberscome together to provide humanitarianassistance to destitute Filipinos in thePhilippines, apart from addressing theirown issues and concerns.

Over the years, PGCO has greatly contributed to theupliftment of the lives of diverse sectors in the Philippines: theunderprivileged, the abandoned and abused children, thecalamity victims, alumni associations, youth groups, and thereligious and medical institutions. Fr. Tranquilino de Ocampo,the Chaplain from the Archdiocese of Cologne, regarded thePGCO as the social concern arm of the Filipino community inGummersbach and an organization in Germany whose heartbeats for Filipinos, especially those who are in need.

Considered as one of the significant contributions of the PGCOis the construction in 2005 of the Maria, Inang Mapag-AmponChildren’s Village, a shelter for emotionally, physically, andsexually abused children located in Bustos, Bulacan. When theMission Director of the shelter sought the assistance of thePGCO, the shelter was only 5% developed. The 2.76-hectareCenter was built as an expansion site of another shelter, theBahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres, to accommodatemore children and provide complete facilities. For the last fiveyears, their donation has amounted to a total of PhP 1 million.Continuing its support for children, in 2009, the PGCO alsodonated to the Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, acenter for orphans and abandoned children in Pasig City, and,in 2001, to the Angeles Bahay Bata Center, a shelter for streetchildren in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Recognizing the need to improve the facilities of the publicschools in the Philippines, the PGCO contributed funds for theconstruction of two water tanks at the Cornelia Reta, Sr.Elementary School in Sasa, Davao City; the construction of theschool library at the Nicomedes Tubar National High School inSan Dionisio, Iloilo City; the roofing extension of the function hallat the Mamburao Central School in Occidental Mindoro; theimprovement of the school library at the Kalumbaya ElementarySchool in Bauang, La Union; the renovation of comfort rooms atthe Tinurik High School in Batangas; and other schoolimprovement projects at the Boot Elementary School and theBoot National High School in Tanauan, Batangas.

Since most of the members of PGCOare employed in hospitals in Germany,they have been very resourceful insoliciting for medical equipment andlaboratory supplies for various hospitalsin the Philippines. The PGCO addressesthe need of these hospitals whicheither have obsolete or lack of medicalsupplies and equipment. The hospitalswhich benefited from these donationswere the Sablayan General Hospitaland Mamburao Hospital in OccidentalMindoro, the I locos Training andRegional Medical Center in La Union,the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital,the Quirino Memorial Medical Center,the Barangay San Agustin HealthCenter, and the Batasan Lying-in Clinicin Quezon City. The PGCO alsodonated an ambulance unit to the

Provincial Government of Isabela and paid for the shipmentcosts from Germany to Isabela.

In 2009, PGCO has become an instrument for rebuilding thelives of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. Aside from its donationof basic necessities such as food and toiletries, the PGCOprovided materials for the construction of the houses of 60families from Barangay Bagong Silang, Quezon City, andMontalban, Rizal.

Under its livelihood program, in 2007, the PGCO has providedthe start-up capital of the micro-credit assistance project of theAklan Agricultural College Class 1979 Alumni Association. Therewere 17 families who have availed of the micro-credit programamounting to PhP 5,000 each to finance various income-generating projects such as swine raising, quail egg production,crop farming, fish trading, meat selling, and canteen operation.

In 2006, the PGCO supported the Kabataang Perdonista,Inc., a religious youth organization which advocates for theconservation and protection of forests. The youth groupconducts yearly summer development training camps topromote environmental protection in its campsite in Mariveles,Bataan. Their donation was used for the construction ofadditional bamboo huts for campers and facilitators in theircampsite.

In 2003 and 2004, the PGCO also partnered with the GawadKalinga for the establishment of the German Village in BagongSilang, Caloocan City, which benefited 277 communities.

Being religious themselves, the PGCO donated through theSt. Joseph Parish, for the renovation of the barangay chapel inBarangay Agbanawan, Banga, Aklan, and the construction ofthe Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Baliwag, Bulacan.

Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V.Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V.Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V.Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V.Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V.Germany

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Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino

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Kaanib ng BayanKaanib ng BayanKaanib ng BayanKaanib ng BayanKaanib ng Bayan

The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is conferred on foreign individualsor organizations for their exceptional or significant contribu-tion to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development,or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the

Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseasFilipino communities.

Awardees

Caritas Lebanon Migrants CenterLebanon

Phoebe Bik Che LamHong Kong SAR

Sunny Kai Chor LamHong Kong SAR

Simha SalpeterIsrael

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Kaanib ng Bayan

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Caritas Lebanon Migrants CenterLebanon

In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to the Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center, the President recognizes itsexemplary initiatives to defend the rights and uphold the dignity of Filipino migrants in Lebanon.

In 1994, the Caritas LebanonMigrants Center (CLMC) wasestablished to implementvarious activities in line with itsvision and mission to recognize,respect, strengthen, and protectthe human rights of migrants,refugees, and asylum seekers inLebanon. It provides acombination of social and legalsupport and advocacy inpartnership with private sectorgroups and relevantgovernment agencies.

In support of migrants, theCenter provides shelter,medical, legal, and repatriationassistance to those who are in detention or those whohave suffered maltreatment and physical abuse inthe hands of their employers or foreign spouses. From2003 to 2010, about 2,000 Filipino migrants in Lebanonhave benefited from the Center’s assistance. CLMCpartners with the Philippine Embassy in Beirut toprovide these services to Filipinos in distress includingtheir search for justice against Lebanese or othernationals who have taken advantage of theirweakness.

In December 2009, a Lebanese court convicted itsown national for beating up his Filipino domestichelper in 2006. The CLMC assisted the Filipina in filingand pursuing the case which has been viewed as animportant legal precedent in the country since it wasthe first conviction of a Lebanese employer for theabusive treatment of a migrant worker.

Pregnant Fi l ipino workers have also beenaccommodated in the Center’s special shelters whileawaiting repatriation to the Philippines. The Centeralso shouldered the expenses for the routine medicalcheck-up and delivery of these victims who ran awayfrom their employers or recruitment agencies. CLMCalso assists the Philippine Embassy in the processing ofthe needed documents for the repatriation of Filipinosin distress.

The Center also organizes seminars, produces publicservice announcements, and conducts similaractivities to raise awareness on human rights issuesamong migrants and the Lebanese population as well.Records of the Center show that from 2003 to 2010,about 2,400 Filipinos have attended the CLMC’s

orientation seminars on therights and responsibil ities asmigrants in Lebanon.

Since 2000, CLMC has beenorganizing Summer Camps forchildren of migrants andrefugees. The Camp’sobjectives include the following:to contribute to the forging ofcloser ties between nations, tofoster tolerance and respect forothers, to introduce children toother religions and cultures, andto provide them with a funsummertime away from thedifficulties of their daily lives. Thecamp is marked by recreational

activities, outings, and tours to the various Lebaneseregions as well as visits to major historical and naturalsites.

In response to the continued pleas and the pressingneeds of migrant families, the CLMC initiated theSpecialized School Project in 2003 to provideeducation that is adapted to the particularcircumstances of migrants’ children within the agerange of 4-12 years and have either dropped out ornever had schooling.

In July 2003, the CLMC started implementing aprogram to protect and assist victims of trafficking inLebanon. This project is programmed to affordprotection, integrated social assistance, and optionsfor lasting solutions to the problems of women victimsof trafficking. It involves extensive cooperation withthe General Directorate of General Security, thegovernmental authority responsible for monitoring thelegal status of foreigners in Lebanon. The project alsoplans an intensive training for general security agentsto reinforce their knowledge of trafficking-relatedissues.

The Center also implements a Peace-Building Project.It aims to build a solid foundation for the attainmentof Justice and Reconciliation, and to repair brokenrelationships in order to transform situations ofinjustice. This is achieved through group meetings,summer camps, forums on human rights, communityhealth education, and cultural reunions. The targetpopulation includes Palestinian, Iraqi, and Lebanesecommunities consisting of various denominations andage groups.

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Phoebe Bik Che Lam Phoebe Bik Che Lam Phoebe Bik Che Lam Phoebe Bik Che Lam Phoebe Bik Che LamHong Kong SAR

In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to Phoebe Bik Che Lam, the President commends her dedication inthe service of Filipino victims of trafficking and invaluable assistance to the many household workers in HongKong who have benefited from her psycho-social interventions.

A social worker of Hong KongCaritas for 14 years now, Ms. PhoebeBik Che Lam earned her bachelor ofarts degree in social work from theHong Kong Polytechnic Universityand finished her master of artsdegree in philosophy at the ChineseUniversity of Hong Kong. Ms. Lam iscurrently assigned at the DiocesanPastoral Centre for Filipinos. Most ofthe time, she works with foreignhousehold workers in distress topromote better understandingbetween the workers and theiremployers.

Ms. Lam is always invited by thePhilippine Consulate General to bepart of the team that gives post-arrival seminars to incoming Filipino household serviceworkers in Hong Kong. In 2007, she formed a Labor RightsConcern Group composed of Filipino and Indonesianhousehold workers in Hong Kong to raise theirconsciousness of labor rights. The group meets every3rd and 4th Sunday morning in Caritas-Caine Road tostudy Hong Kong labor laws and immigration policies,and to discuss multiple employment concerns ofindividual members.

She shows her support to other Hongkong-basedFilipinos with pending criminal, immigration, and laborcases. She provides them with psycho-social and moralguidance, and accompanies these Filipino nationalsduring court appearances. Even after the conclusionof their cases, Ms. Lam still remains in constant touchwith the victims through text messaging or throughthe internet. She checks their working conditions,ease their apprehensions, and provides them withrelevant advice.

In the human trafficking case involving six Filipinovictims which was referred by the Philippine ConsulateGeneral to the Hong Kong Police in 2007, Ms. Lam’srole as a social worker proved crucial. At that time,the victims were suffering from severe emotionaldistress due to their traumatic experience in the handsof the traffickers. She provided them with the needed

psycho-social assistance whichcontributed to the successfulprosecution of the case.

Ms. Lam was with the victimswhenever they need to report tothe police authorities about theircase and during the courtproceedings until the case againsttheir traffickers was concluded. Shearranged recreational activities toease their boredom and broughtthem to a retreat so that they couldgain spiritual strength as theyconfronted their exploiters.

In June 2009, two Filipinas wererecruited by a relative to work as

waitresses in Macau. When they arrived in Macau, theywere told that a job was waiting for them in HongKong. The victims traveled to Hong Kong but wereforced to work as commercial sex workers in a club inWan Chai. After two days, they were rescued by someHong Kong-based Filipinos who assisted them inreporting their plight to the Philippine ConsulateGeneral. The formal complaint filed with the Hong KongPolice Force resulted in the arrest of three Filipinotraffickers during a raid at the club where the victimsworked.

Ms. Lam once again gave her full support to the twoFilipino victims by providing them shelter, moralguidance, and encouragement which inspired themto pursue the case further. She gave special attentionto the condition of one of the victims who waspregnant at that time by accompanying her for routinemedical check-ups.

A testament to the exceptional service that Ms. Lamrendered to her clients was the christening of the saidvictim’s baby after her. If deeds are truly greater thanwords, then this act suffices to recognize theinvaluable role that Ms. Lam plays in the lives of hermany wards.

Kaanib ng Bayan

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Sunny Kai Chor Lam Sunny Kai Chor Lam Sunny Kai Chor Lam Sunny Kai Chor Lam Sunny Kai Chor LamHong Kong SAR

Senior Inspector Sunny Kai ChorLam has been with the Hong KongPolice Force since 1997. As amember of the elite OrganizedCrime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), hehas always shown exceptionalcompetence in handling cases oftrafficking and other organizedcrimes by setting up investigationand arrest operations which haveresulted in the successfulprosecution and eventualconviction of the perpetrators ofthese heinous crimes.

In 2007, the Philippine ConsulateGeneral contacted Senior InspectorLam and sought the assistance ofthe Hong Kong Police concerning the case of sixFilipino women who were lured into working in HongKong as commercial sex workers in the Wan ChaiDistrict.

The victims arrived in Hong Kong in July 2007 andwere reportedly brought to a boarding house in WanChai. They were told that they owed the illegal recruiterHK$10,000 (PhP60,000) each and that they could payback the amount by hanging out in bars and offeringsexual services to customers. Hungry, afraid, anddeeming it impossible to earn the HK$10,000 requiredfrom each of them, the victims hurriedly went to thePhilippine Consulate to seek help. Acting on theinformation provided by the victims, Senior InspectorLam and his team conducted a sting operation whichled to the arrest of two suspected human traffickers.

Senior Inspector Lam made sure that all availableincentives were provided to the victims to encouragethem to pursue the case against their traffickers. Theseincentives included police protection, a dailysubsistence allowance, as well as transportation fundto cover the trip of one victim who went back to thePhilippines to take the licensure examination for nurses.This assistance enabled her to return to Hong Kongand stand as witness during the trial of the offenders.Senior Inspector Lam also conducted witnesspreparation sessions to prime the victims for the trial.

After the trial was concluded, Senior Inspector Lamvisited the Philippines and personally met with officialsof the Department of Justice and the National Bureauof Investigation in November 2007. He wanted to

ensure that the victims wouldreceive continued protection upontheir return to their home country.

The two suspects were eventuallycharged for trafficking in personsand were subsequently convictedand sentenced by a Hong Kongcourt to three years imprisonment.In December 2007, the six victimswere escorted by Senior InspectorLam and his team to the Hong KongInternational Airport for their returntrip to the Philippines.

In 2009, the Philippine ConsulateGeneral sought the assistance ofSenior Inspector Lam and the OCTB

again. It involved a similar case affecting two Filipinonationals who were lured to Hong Kong as commercialsex workers. Senior Inspector Lam and his team raideda private club in the Wan Chai area and arrested threesuspected human traffickers, two of whom weresubsequently charged and sentenced to imprisonment.

Once more, Senior Inspector Lam provided thevictims not only with the necessary material supportbut also with constant reassurance, protection, andencouragement to uplift their morale. One victim whowas pregnant when she arrived in Hong Kong wasassisted by Senior Inspector Lam when she gave birthdays before the court trial in February 2010. He maderepresentations with the city’s Hospital Authority tohave the baby delivered in Hong Kong free of charge.He also met with visiting Philippine officials so that thevictims could be assured of protection after theconclusion of the case.

Senior Inspector Lam’s willingness to work withFilipino non-government organizations in Hong Kong isanother trait that sets him apart. While the adoptionof a multi-sectoral approach to address socialproblems may be common in the Philippines, this israre in other jurisdictions especially in Hong Kong.Senior Inspector Lam goes beyond the routine policeprocedures governing the investigation of cases andreaches out to non-government organizations to buildimportant alliances for the speedy and effectiveresolution of problems.

In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to Senior Inspector Sunny Kai Chor Lam, the President commends hisextraordinary sense of professionalism and invaluable assistance as a partner of the Philippine government insecuring justice for Filipino victims of trafficking in Hong Kong.

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Simha Salpeter Simha Salpeter Simha Salpeter Simha Salpeter Simha SalpeterIsrael

In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to Simha Salpeter, the President commends his continuing paternalisticconcern for the overseas Filipino community in Israel, and extraordinary sense of altruism which has opened opportunitiesthat foster good working relationships between and among Israelis and Filipinos and contributed to the well-being of hisbeneficiaries in both countries.

“The Generous One” and “The FatherFigure of the Filipino Community” — theseare just some of the terms of endearmentused by grateful Israel-based Filipinos torefer to this gentle Israeli and whichattest to the impact that he has hadon their lives for the past five decades.

Born in 1935 in Tel Aviv, Mr. Simha “Simi”Salpeter left for the United States afterhe finished high school andsubsequently earned his degree inmarketing at the City College of NewYork (CCNY). Even during his early yearsat CCNY, he already made his mark incommunity work and was given anaward for outstanding service to thecollege and the community.

He served in the Israel Defense Forcesfor twelve years and retired with a rankof Lieutenant Colonel. Upon his return to civilian life, he gotinvolved in diverse engagement as marketing managerfor various companies and thereafter as executive directorof the B’nai B’rith Association for Charitable and CulturalInstitutions, the most widely known Jewish humanitarianand human rights advocacy organization.

In 1976, Mr. Salpeter married Ms. Montserrat “Montie” Sisonof Pangasinan, a marriage that also marked the start of hislifelong commitment to look after the welfare of his wife’skababayan in Israel.

The home of the Salpeters became a center of Filipino lifein Israel, especially in the 1970s, the 1980s, and into the1990s when the Filipino community started to expand. Iteventually became the second home of several generationsof Filipino professionals and scholars who came to Israel fortrainings and studies. The Salpeter’s residence served asthe first Filipino cultural center where lectures and folkdances were presented for Israelis and members of thediplomatic community. They also played host to countlessFilipino delegations, agricultural or commercial missions, well-known Filipino personalities like the former De La SalleUniversity president Brother Rafael Donato, journalist MaxSoliven, painter Manuel Baldemor, stage and film directorBehn Cervantes, singer Freddie Aguilar, and many others.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the arrival of Filipino workersin Israel surged to a hefty number. At the time when thePhilippine Embassy still had no labor and welfare attachés,Mr. Salpeter singly took up the cudgels for the OFWs andbecame a one-man operation dedicated to theirprotection. He negotiated problems between the workersand their employers or agencies, fought loan sharks to secure

fair interest rates and easy repaymentarrangements for borrowers, and visitedsick OFWs in hospitals and evenprovided support to meet their needs.He also let a number of Fi l ipinoworkers use his personal bank accountin order to facilitate medical insuranceand other payments.

On many occasions, Mr. Salpetermade his home a safe house forundocumented Filipinos hiding fromimmigration police. Alternatively, it alsoserved as a “camp” for Filipino workersand their children during weekends. Healso turned a five-room, one-storeybuilding in a prime location in Tel Avivinto low-rental accommodation forFilipino workers.

Because of his involvement with theFilipinos in Israel, Mr. Salpeter was acclaimed as the firstadviser of the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel(FFCI), the umbrella organization of different Filipino regional,cultural, and religious associations in the country. He wasinstrumental in the creation of the FFCI and always lends hissupport to their activities.

Even after the death of his wife in 2006, Mr. Salpeter’sconcern for the well-being and interests of Filipinos in Israelnever wavered. He continued sponsoring many communityprojects such as the donation of computers to Mindorobeneficiaries, medical missions of the FFCI in Israel, andvarious sports and social activities for the Filipino communityin Israel.

As a member of the Organizing Committee for theCelebration of the 100th Anniversary of Israel-PhilippineDiplomatic Relations in June 2009, Mr. Salpeter played avital role. He was involved in every stage of the constructionin Rishon LeZion of the Open Doors Monument—the firstPhilippine monument erected in Israel which serves as areminder of the humanitarian gesture of the Philippinesunder Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon whenthe country welcomed Jewish refugees from Nazi Germanyon the eve of World War II.

Mr. Salpeter actively helped in the Sagip Pilipinas Projectof the FFCI Filipino community in Israel. They raised funds forpurposes of aiding the victims of typhoon Ondoy in theprovinces of La Union and Pangasinan, and in the city ofBaguio. He also donated PhP 17,825 from his personal fundsto help the families of three victims who died during theonslaught of typhoon Peping in Sison, Pangasinan.

BanaagBanaagBanaagBanaagBanaag

The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals orassociations for their contributions which have significantly

benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, oradvanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Awardees

Dr. Emely D. AbagatSouth Korea

Computer Society of Filipinos InternationalKingdom of Saudi Arabia

Congress of Visayan OrganizationsUnited States of America

Federation of Filipino Communities in IsraelIsrael

George G. GangeUnited States of America

Marilyn Wafa R. KasimiehUnited Arab Emirates

Kinding SindawUnited States of America

Sr. Lucia C. OlaliaSouth Korea

Evangelina V. YboJordan

Banaag

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Dr. Emely D. AbagatDr. Emely D. AbagatDr. Emely D. AbagatDr. Emely D. AbagatDr. Emely D. AbagatSouth Korea

Responsible, dynamic andindispensable–-these are just a few ofthe most remarkable attributes of Dr.Emily D. Abagat who is well-knownamong overseas Filipinos in South Korea.

Dr. Abagat is the current Chairman ofthe Education Committee ofHyehwadong Fil ipino CatholicCommunity (HFCC), the largest andmost influential Filipino group in SouthKorea which is actively involved inaddressing issues concerning Filipinomigrants. On top of her regular dutiesat HFCC, Dr. Abagat extends assistanceto Filipino workers in their labor and legalconcerns through the provision ofessential information and referrals toappropriate agencies depending onthe nature of the complaint.

Dr. Abagat is recognized for her selfless efforts in empoweringthe officers and members of various Filipino associationsoverseas through the values and leadership formationseminars she has delivered. She is regularly invited tofacilitate and organize trainings, retreats, and recollectionsfor leaders of Filipino organizations on topics such as theiradaptation to Korean culture and values, leadership andstewardship, and capacity-building. The recollections helpparticipants deepen their faith and face the challengesand difficulties encountered in the conduct of their dailylives. Trainings have been conducted for Fil ipinocommunities in Daejeon, Cheonan, Kwangju, Busan, Kasan,Maseok, Iksan, Cheongju, Ansan, and Bucheon.

With her unwavering commitment to help the Filipinomigrants, she volunteers to be an adviser and mentor tovarious associations where she provides advice and inputson their plans and activities. Given the difficulties thatFilipinos go through, with Dr. Abagat’s assistance, theybecome more organized and are able to reach out tomore Filipinos in Korea.

Being a teacher and a strong believer in the value ofeducation as a ticket to a better future for theunderprivileged, Dr. Abagat also coordinated and actedas a liaison between the Mt. Carmel High School in Gen.Nakar, Quezon and the HFCC. The beneficiaries receivedscholarship funds which covered tuition fees and foodsubsidies for 50 high school students who were also floodvictims of typhoon Yoleng. She also monitors the scholarsand helps raise funds to sustain the program.

In conferring the Banaag Award to Dr. Emely D. Abagat, the President recognizes her untiring efforts in upholding theinterests and welfare of her kababayan through her involvement in various Filipino overseas associations, and selflessdedication and deep commitment by acting as liaison to promote better Philippine-South Korea relations.

Dr. Abagat holds the distinction ofbeing the only Filipina professor at theCatholic University of Korea (CUK). Sheteaches various subjects in theDepartments of Education, Business, andInternational Studies. She assists in thepromotion of the CUK scholarshipprogram and coordinates with thePhilippine Department of Education, theCommission on Higher Education, andvarious schools, colleges and universitiesso that Filipino students can avail of freeeducation and opportunities forprofessional growth. The scholarshipprogram provides free tuition,accommodations, and round-trip airlinefare. In addition, the scholars can availof the opportunity to work as part-timeEnglish language assistants and arepaid 400,000 won a month.

As a pioneer member of the Pilipino Iskolar sa Korea, anassociation of Filipino students in Korea, Dr. Abagat is in-charge of looking after the welfare of Filipino students at theCUK. She assists new students in their acculturation and tosecure more scholarship opportunities. Because of her efforts,she was recognized by the CUK for promoting betterrelationships between the Philippines and South Korea, andwas also featured in the Rated K program of television hostMs. Korina Sanchez.

To add to her long list of accomplishments, Dr. Abagat isan editor to SAMBAYANAN, Yoboseyo, Sulyapinoy, and TheAdvocacy, which serve as reliable sources of informationand news concerning Filipinos in Korea. She was also aresearch fellow at the Korea Foundation for AdvancedStudies, a lecturer at the Korea National University ofEducation, speaker in the undergraduate and globalleadership programs of the Hankuk University of ForeignStudies, and guest teacher at the Philippine Korean CultureHouse.

In recognition of her invaluable services to the Filipinocommunity in South Korea, she was the first recipient of theGawad Giovanni Jaron as the Most Outstanding FilipinoIndividual in Korea in 2008.

Dr. Abagat was born in Ilocos Norte and has a degree inEducation major in Religious Studies. Because of herprofessional and spiritual endeavors, she was inspired towrite her book, And God Smiled Back, a collection of herreflections on her life as an OFW, solo parent, and missionary,so that she could share her experiences and inspire Filipinosworldwide.

Banaag

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Computer Society of Filipinos InternationalComputer Society of Filipinos InternationalComputer Society of Filipinos InternationalComputer Society of Filipinos InternationalComputer Society of Filipinos InternationalKingdom of Saudi Arabia

In conferring the Banaag Award to Computer Society of Filipinos International, the President recognizes its unselfish dedication andcommitment to empower Filipinos in Saudi Arabia through skills training and upgrading; and facilitate their productive reintegrationinto Philippine society.

As cyber-technology continues toinfluence today’s lifestyle, both forthe young and young-once, theComputer Society of Fi l ipinos,International (COMSOFIL) is poisedto consistently carry out its goals indeveloping globally-competitiveFil ipinos by providing themopportunities for continuingeducation in the field of Informationand Communications Technology(ICT).

Organized in November 1995,COMSOFIL has extensivelyinstitutionalized its presence in theKingdom of Saudi Arabia. It providesfree computer literacy programs andinformation technology seminars,while maintaining partnerships withInformation Technology (IT) solutionproviders and other community organizations in developingskills training programs for the benefit of OFWs in Riyadh. Sincethen, COMSOFIL has consistently promoted ICT awareness andsimultaneously professionalized the Filipino workforce, thusmaking them more employable in higher-paying jobs.

Since its creation, COMSOFIL has graduated more than 9,000OFWs from all walks of life. The students were enrolled in variousICT Cluster Courses which are conducted in two semestersevery year. The COMSOFIL’s efforts to serve as a forum forsharing new cutting-edge technology in Saudi Arabia made iteasier for OFWs to harness and improve their skills and therebyguarantee an improved quality of life upon their return to thePhilippines with their respective families. This value-addingintervention is a concrete example of a relevant reintegrationprogram for returning OFWs.

A number of testimonies and cases underscores the impact ofCOMSOFIL training on the lives of Filipino workers overseaswho are determined to upgrade their qualifications and land abetter job overseas: a tea-boy who was a victim of illegalrecruitment but was promoted as an IT Technician; a cargopacker who was supposed to be repatriated to the Philippinesdue to a slipped disc, but was promoted as an ExportAdministrator; a factory worker turned Computer Operator;and a cashier turned web and graphics designer. There are9,000 other good stories to be told as a testament toCOMSOFIL’s significance.

To assure their projects’ sustainability, every year, COMSOFILlaunches a series of intensive Instructor’s Orientation andLeadership Training Seminar Workshops that strengthen thecapability of all volunteer instructors, their assistants, and theentire technical staff to impart knowledge, expertise andtechnical know-how to the participants.

COMSOFIL has also strengthened itspartnership with the Phil ippineOverseas Labor Office in Riyadh andthe Overseas Workers WelfareAdministration to further extendservices and assistance to OFWsparticularly those who are confrontedwith difficult situations. COMSOFILimplements the Bits and Bytes Projectin a Bahay-Kalinga in Saudi Arabia toprovide training on the use of computerapplications for distressed Filipinos aspart of their preparation for eventualreintegration into the Phil ippineworkforce. The project was launchedin May 2005 and has involved 20 OFWparticipants. COMSOFIL also assists inthe Libreng Tawag sa Pinas, HandogPara Kay Kabayan Project of POLO-OWWA which aims to help theirkababayans, especially the distressed

OFWs, by providing tools and mechanisms to easily get intouch and talk to their families and loved ones in the Philippines.

For the past 14 years, COMSOFIL has been continuouslysponsoring IT Olympics for all its members which serves as avenue to apply their newly learned skill, work as team withtheir cluster mates, boost their morale and confidence, andlearn the value of sportsmanship. COMSOFIL also sponsors theCyberClash inter-school IT Olympics participated in by 3rd and4th year high school students from various international schoolswithin the Riyadh area. The competition has been running fortwo consecutive years now and continues to promotecomputer skills and competency among the youth andcamaraderie among students from various schools.

While upgrading OFWs’ skills, COMSOFIL also publishes theINFOBITS which serves as a reliable source of information aboutthe events and activities in COMSOFIL and the Filipinocommunity in Saudi Arabia, as well as updates on informationtechnology. COMSOFIL also takes pride in the establishmentof the Toast of COMSOFIL, the Society’s exclusive ToastmasterClub which equips the members with essential skills in publicspeaking and personality development.

Through the years, COMSOFIL has provided professional andtechnical assistance and manpower support to the variousactivities of the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino communityorganizations such as literary and singing competitions, concert-for-a-cause, film showings, beauty pageants, and AutoCADTraining for Engineers, among others.

Fifteen years thereafter, COMSOFIL continues to keep thespirit of volunteerism alive in Saudi Arabia, making its practicalskills and education program an imperative component for theempowerment of more OFWs each year.

Banaag

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Congress of Visayan OrganizationsCongress of Visayan OrganizationsCongress of Visayan OrganizationsCongress of Visayan OrganizationsCongress of Visayan OrganizationsUnited States of America

In conferring the Banaag Award to the Congress of Visayan Organizations, the President recognizes its achievements in fostering unityand a sense of community among Filipinos, particularly those with Visayan ancestry in Hawaii, and contribution to the concertedhumanitarian efforts for the welfare of beneficiaries in Hawaii and the Philippines.

The Visayans Filipinos’ancestral roots arefound in a number ofislands across centralPhilippines. The diversityof the Visayan region isreflected in severaldialects that form itslinguistic base such asIlonggo, Waray, andCebuano. The regiontakes pride in theirforebears’ many roles in Philippine history, such as: the Spaniards’“discovery” of the Philippines in Cebu, the longest anti-Spanishrebellion led by Francisco Dagohoy in Bohol, the Filipino-American struggle in Samar, and the landing of U.S. Gen. DouglasMacArthur in Leyte towards the end of World War II, amongothers.

Visayan local historical accounts include the exodus of theVisayan sakadas in Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations inHawaii in 1909. The steady increase in numbers in over time hasresulted in the rise to prominence of several individuals as wellas the emergence of several Visayan organizations to addresstheir needs and concerns in the state.

The idea of unifying all the Visayan organizations in Hawaiistarted in the 1980s and gave birth to the Congress of VisayanOrganizations (COVO), a statewide umbrella of 26 organizationsof Filipinos with Visayan ancestry. The initial move to bandtogether led to the formation of the Visayan League in 1985.Through the efforts of several individuals from the PhilippineConsulate, the Hawaii state government, and the private sector,it was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1988.Eventually, the COVO extended its membership to includeFilipino organizations with ancestral roots in Mindanao.

After 25 years, the COVO has become a noted Filipinoorganization whose mission was to unify Hawaii-based Visayanorganization, propagate Visayan linguistic heritage andtraditions, and assist in the advancement of its members in thestate’s politico-economic and socio-cultural life. Although theCOVO’s primary goal was to promote the welfare of Visayans,it has also served the needs of Filipino groups in the Philippines,as well as other Filipino and non-Filipino ethnic groups in Hawaii.Its exemplary contributions were recognized by the Senate,the House of Representatives, and the City and County ofHonolulu of the State of Hawaii.

To promote and maintain Visayan unity and visibility, theCOVO hosts a weekly radio program, Ang Bodyong, at KNDIRadio. It is the only Visayan radio program in the state whichcombines Visayan music and news tidbits from the local Visayancommunity. It features the activities of the different memberorganizations of the COVO including interviews with localVisayan personalities and guests from the Philippines.

To recognize the accomplishments of Hawaii-based Filipinoswith Visayan ancestry, the COVO initiated the biennial Lapu-Lapu Awards in 2002. Since then, COVO has conferred the awardto 102 Filipinos in various categories: lifetime achievement,individual achievement in various fields, and young achievers’

awards. The award hasbecome a source ofpride among membersof the Visayancommunity, especiallyamong the youngergeneration.

COVO figuredprominently during thecentennial celebrationof Filipino migration to

Hawaii. In 2006, it collaborated with the Filipino CentennialCelebration Commission in various activities such as bringingfor the first time the Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, and Sinulog Festivalsto Hawaii; the unveiling of a marker commemorating the 50th

anniversary of the solo voyage from Hawaii to the Philippinesof Mr. Florentino Das; and the installation of a marker inHanapepe, Kauai, in commemoration of the death of Filipinoworkers, who were mostly Visayans, in the 1924 labor uprising.The COVO also spearheaded various events to celebrate thecentennial of the Visayan presence in Hawaii. The highlightsincluded: the Sto. Niño festival, the Visayan Centennial Tour,the Visayan Century Awards, the COVO Convention, and theproduction of Handumanan, a collection of stories and picturesabout the Visayan experience in Hawaii. The Hawaii’s HonoluluAdvertiser referred to the celebrations as “a festival for allFilipinos.”

The COVO has led many emergency relief efforts in Hawaii.In 2009, in collaboration with the Filipino Community Centerand other Filipino organizations, the COVO and its memberorganizations raised US$199,932 for the victims of TyphoonOndoy. In 2008, COVO partnered with Senator ClarenceNishihara, the Filipino Community Center, and the HawaiiInternational Relief Organization to ship over 8,000 books tothe Philippines which were distributed to 113 schools in variousprovinces. It also donated various medical equipment, supplies,and computers to the City Government of Panabo in Davaodel Norte. In 2006, it helped raised funds amounting to US$28,000for the survivors of the Southern Leyte landslide. The amountwas donated to the Aloha Medical Mission for the purchase ofmedical supplies and equipment. Aside from providing medicalassistance to the victims, the COVO granted scholarships throughthe Children’s Hour to 56 children whose families were victimsof a landslide.

The COVO has also been politically active through itsCommittee on Political Education. It has lobbied to theLegislature and the City Council for support on issues andprograms such as minimum wage increases, tax reforms, fundingfor youth programs, immigration concerns, cultural observances,elderly and caregiver issues, and veterans rights. One of itsrelevant lobby efforts is the passing of a resolution to explorethe possibility of offering courses on Visayan language andculture at the University of Hawaii. The COVO was alsoinstrumental in the establishment of the sister-city agreementbetween Cebu City and Honolulu, and the state- provinceagreement between Hawaii and Cebu. The said agreementsresulted to several businesses, trade, technical, educational,and cultural exchanges between Cebu and Hawaii.

Banaag

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Federation of Filipino Communities in IsraelFederation of Filipino Communities in IsraelFederation of Filipino Communities in IsraelFederation of Filipino Communities in IsraelFederation of Filipino Communities in IsraelIsrael

In conferring the Banaag Award to the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel, the President recognizes the successfulcollective efforts of overseas Filipino workers in promoting the interests and welfare of their kababayan in Israel and in thePhilippines, and for its commendable initiatives in fostering solidarity between the peoples of both countries.

Phenomenal is the word that canaptly describe theaccomplishments of this youngIsraeli-based federation of severaloverseas Fi l ipino workers’organizations. In just eight years,the Federation of Fi l ipinoCommunities in Israel (FCCI) boastsof a host of projects and servicesthat have benefitted families andcommunities in the Philippines aswell as other OFWs in Israel.

The growing number of Filipinosin Israel, which has now reachedapproximately 39,000, and thecorresponding increase in thenumber of organized groupsprompted the establishment of afederation in order to effectivelyreach out to more Israel-based Filipinos and extend much-needed assistance where possible. The FFCI was organizedon April 28, 2002 during the Philippine Labor Day celebrationsat the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv. With a membershipconsisting of 29 Filipino organizations in Israel, it serves as theumbrella organization through which all Filipino communityinitiatives and activities are undertaken. The memberorganizations are varied, from hometown associations,professional groups, and fraternal organizations to religiousgroups of various denominations. It is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-sectarian organization dedicated toadvancing the cause of OFWs in Israel.

Protecting the OFWs is the FCCI’s top priority. It assisted alarge number of Filipinos in distressed situations, visited sickOFWs in hospitals or in their homes to provide material andspiritual comfort, and rescued, housed, and repatriatedOFW victims of abuse who ran away from their employers.

The FFCI has also been able to establish a solid network ofvolunteer Israeli doctors who partner with them in theirregular medical and dental missions in Israel. Thisarrangement has saved a lot of money for OFWs whocannot afford the cost of medical check-ups, medicines,and even hospitalization.

The work of the FFCI does not necessarily entail seriousundertakings all the time. Believing that there is a time forwork and a time for pleasure, it regularly organizes programsto celebrate Philippine tradition, milestones, and holidayssuch as the Flores de Mayo, Philippine Independence Day,Labor Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day to fostercamaraderie among OFWs and help fight homesickness.Also, it has regular fellowship sessions where other Filipinos,not necessarily FFCI members, come and meet each other,and share stories to further build unity among them.

The FCCI’s outreach program hasserved communities from north tosouth of the Philippines. It fundedthe construction of elevenclassrooms for primary andsecondary level public schools.

It established a regular projectcalled Sagip Kababayan or “savea compatriot,” to assist victims ofcalamity and demonstrate theirsolidarity with fellow Filipinos in themidst of disaster. The FFCI haddistributed goods in Bicol, Ormoc,Pasig, Pangasinan, La Union, andBaguio when these areas wereravaged by typhoons, floods, andvolcanic eruptions.

One of the FFCI’s lastingcontributions is in the field of

diplomacy, specifically in the relations between the Jewsand the Filipinos that started during one of the darkest daysof World War II. A quick flash-back to 1939 brings back theunforgettable humanitarian gesture of then CommonwealthPresident Manuel L. Quezon who allotted 10,000 visas andprovided safe haven to Jews fleeing Nazi Europe. Some1,200 Jews made it to Manila before the city itself fell toJapanese invaders. A quick flash-forward to 2005, thenPhilippine Ambassador to Israel Antonio Modena launcheda campaign to underscore the role played by the countryin saving Jews during the Holocaust. The result was theOpen Doors Monument which was erected in recognitionof the welcome extended by the Philippines to the Jewishrefugees in 1939.

In 2006-2007, the FFCI held a series of fund-raising eventsto stimulate interest and generate resources for communityservice projects. By tapping the talents of its members suchas the Filipino caregivers, the FFCI was able to hold a seriesof cultural shows entitled Sayaw and Saplot Saysay. TheFFCI did all the backroom work from selling tickets to makingthe necessary props and costumes and generated almostUS$10,000 which was subsequently donated for theconstruction of the monument.

Although the FFCI’s primary concern are theadvancement of the welfare of OFWs in Israel and theconduct of philanthropic activities in the Philippines, it alsohas its pulse on the existing problems of the local communityin Tel-Aviv. To show solidarity with the Israelis, it called uponthe spirit of Bayanihan among OFWs and painted the wallsof the Rogenzon Bialik School in Tel-Aviv which wasdamaged by three suicide bombings in the past.

Banaag

30

George G. GangeGeorge G. GangeGeorge G. GangeGeorge G. GangeGeorge G. GangeUnited States of America

In conferring the Banaag Award to George G. Gange, the President recognizes his passion for the propagation of a unique Filipino music artform -the Rondalla- and his exceptional ability to combine his diverse skills in the arts and in traffic controllership for the benefit of Filipino warveterans and senior citizens in the Philippines and the United States.

The last five decades saw Filipino-AmericanGeorge G. Gange in various stages of personaldevelopment: as a working student and abudding musician, as an air traffic controller inthe U.S. Navy (USN), as a musician with a cause,a prolific community advocate, and now, as anairport commissioner in one of the busiest airportsin the United States.

In the 1960s, he was a working student and anamateur rondalla player. In his younger days, hewas already playing a Rondalla but not beforedelivering Manila Chronicle newspapers tocustomers early in the morning. The 1970s sawthe start of his naval career which spanned threedecades. The declaration of martial law onSeptember 1972 which led to the closure of allmedia outfits, including the Manila Chroniclewhere he worked part-time, hastened hisdecision to take the USN enlistment examinationat the Subic Naval Base in Olongapo City.

Mr. Gange has chalked up 21 years ofdedicated US Naval (USN) service, during whichhe assumed various positions from Ground Controller, Plane Captain,Journeyman Controller, Facility Watch Supervisor, Facility FAA Examiner,Training and Standardization Supervisor, and Tower/Radar Manager.Eventually, he became the Leading Chief Petty Officer in charge ofmore than 40 other navy controllers at the Air Traffic Control Division ofthe Naval Air Station in Moffett Field, California.

His performance as a highly skilled Air Traffic Controller and FacilityWatch Supervisor who was instrumental in the prevention of fourseparate documented aircraft mishaps/accidents (and thereby savinglives and material resources of the U.S. government) led to his selectionas the NAS Moffett Field Sailor of the Year in 1983. He represented theCommander Patrol Wings Pacific as its candidate for the worldwideUSN Admiral Pirie Air Traffic Controller of the Year and Shore Sailor of theYear competitions. He received numerous awards, medals, andcommendations, including a citation and commendation from the U.S.Secretary of the Navy.

Three years before his retirement in 1994, he was chosen by theNational Aeronautics and Space Administration to take part in an inter-agency technical working group working on the development of thethen experimental Vertical Short Take Off and Landing Aircraft. Thisinvolvement won him yet another award.

His transition to civilian life took place in the mid-1990s, which saw thebirth of his social advocacy and the rebirth of his first love,the rondalla.In 1998, Mr. Gange, together with a good friend, organized the Fil-AmVeterans Rondalla (FVR). His continuing goal is to promote the uniqueFilipino cultural music art forms and, at the same time, raise funds forsocial concern initiatives both in the U.S. and in the Philippines. The groupis largely composed of retired Filipino sailors and servicemen who sharethe same passion for the Rondalla and worthy causes.

The FVR raises funds for worthy causes by playing along busyintersections/streets and performing in rallies and festivities in California.It donates to several worthy projects such as the Gawad Kalinga, thePhilippine Bayanihan Fund, the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, and the BantayBata 163. Other recipients of their donations include Atikha Save a Treeof Life Fund, Heart Bridge International Foundation, and the Boys’ and

Girls’ Town of Amelia Gordon in Olongapo City.The FVR also sources funds for victims of naturalcalamities such as the Thailand tsunami tragedy,the Indonesian and Haitian earthquakes,hurricane Katrina, and the St. Bernard, SouthernLeyte mudslides.

Mr. Gange routinely visits nursing homes andhospitals where the Rondalla entertains agingand sick patients. He is a regular performer atthe Art of Aging Gala, an evening show in SantaClara, California, for seniors of variousnationalities.

The veterans, especially those who served inWorld War II, are very close to Mr. Gange’sheart. He coordinates both with the U.S.Veterans Administration and the PhilippineVeterans Administration Offices for the timelyrelease of their pensions and benefits. In 2006,he facilitated a seniors’ symposium during whichhe launched a Dual Citizenship Program to allowseniors and veterans to reacquire their Philippinecitizenship. As a result, over 400 applicants were

granted dual citizenship. He also arranged for full military honors for threeveterans who had passed away. On Veterans Day, when the Fil-AmWWII veterans participate in the parade, he gets sponsors from thelocal business community who can provide free meals to the agingveterans.

In 2003, he supported the family of WWII veteran Vicente Pascua whowas killed in a mugging incident in San Francisco. He donated his US$500honoraria from a Rondalla workshop he conducted to subsidize the costof shipping the veteran’s body to the Philippines. He also donated thehonoraria he received from a group performance to the PhilippinesBayanihan Fund during the 19th People Power anniversary celebrations.

As a way of keeping the music of Rondalla alive, he conceived a lend-to-own-a-Rondalla plan for marginalized children in the Philippines whoare interested in learning the instrument but do not have the financialcapability to own one. Brand new Rondallas are offered on loan basisto selected barangays where these children reside. He also produced avideo tutorial on how to play the Rondalla and provides informal tutorialsessions for young people.

Due to the widespread recognition of their talent and humanitarianservice to the community, in 2004, Mr. Gange and his group were amongthe overseas contingents who participated in the First InternationalRondalla Festival in Bicol and in the Asian Cultural Night in Anchoragewhich was held at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.

For his dedication and commitment to community service and otherworthy causes, this be-medalled sailor has been the recipient of severalawards which include the prestigious Jefferson Awards for PublicService (community level), the Distinguished Alumnus Award from thePamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a California Senate Commendation,and the Dr. Jose Rizal Community Hero Award, among others.

Mr. Gange has come a long long way from Manila to California andfrom his paper route and Rondalla days of his youth to the U.S. Navy andback to the Rondalla days of his prime. He is not just an expert air trafficcontroller and sailor but an avid musician with an enduring mission ofbeing of service to others.

Banaag

31

Marilyn Wafa R. KasimiehMarilyn Wafa R. KasimiehMarilyn Wafa R. KasimiehMarilyn Wafa R. KasimiehMarilyn Wafa R. KasimiehUnited Arab Emirates

In conferring the Banaag Award to Marilyn Wafa R. Kasimieh, the President recognizes her invaluable initiatives whichhave benefited distressed Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates and her commendable extension of financialassistance to improve the living conditions of her kababayan in the province of Iloilo and beyond.

To serve one’s countrymen is a nobledeed, especially when the form ofservice transcends geographicboundaries and the agent is someonewho had to hurdle many obstacles tohis/her own personal development inorder to be of service to others.

Since she entered Dubai, United ArabEmirates, with a visitor’s visa in 1984, Ms.Marilyn Wafa Kasimieh experiencedhardships not unlike what mosttemporary visa holders have to gothrough in the Emirates–the difficulty offinding good employers or sponsors whocan help secure a working visa toregularize their stay in the country. Sheheld a string of odd jobs as a saleslady,a cashier, and a secretary with very littlesecurity, and in the process, fell prey tounscrupulous employers who did notgive commensurate pay for her efforts. But Ms. Kasimieh’sluck turned around when a Filipino couple took her undertheir care. In 1991, she was eventually employed by a filmand video outfit which sponsored her working visa andtook notice of her initiative and perseverance.

In 1996, she joined the Department of Islamic Affairs andCharitable Activities as an administrative assistant. Sincethen, she has risen from the ranks to become a Senior Advisorby 2007, following her commendation for excellent servicewithin that Department.

In her early years on the job, she was tasked to assist theinmates of the Central Jail of Dubai. Finding a large numberof Filipinos amongst them, she served as their intermediaryin securing better treatment from jail authorities, includingthe possibility of securing a rehabilitative program to assistinmates in facing life after jail. Maintaining close coordinationwith OWWA, she convinced her superiors to expand thescope and area of her work to include catering to six otherjails. She was responsible for ensuring that legal assistancewas made available to inmates and that the PhilippineConsulate would be kept informed about the progress oftheir cases. She also made an extra effort to assist inmatespurchase airline tickets for their repatriation. As a testamentto her work ethic, the Department offered her a scholarshipto complete a bachelor of arts in Islamic studies at PrestonUniversity.

When her Department decided to go full blast inintroducing their services to the public in 2005, Ms. Kasimiehspearheaded its participation in various governmentactivities. This included organizing volunteer groups forhospital visits in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Findingthat some patients did not have the resources to be

repatriated back home, she maderepresentations with various donors toassist in their repatriation and, in someinstances, even for airlifting the remainsof deceased workers.

That same year, she proposedpartnerships with the Phil ippineOverseas Labor Office (POLO) torespond to the plight of distressed Filipinoworkers. She helped the POLO conductworkshops to upgrade the ski l ls ofrunaway Fi l ipino migrants, some ofwhom went on to work part-time to earntheir fare back home. Others were fullyreintegrated into the labor force withtheir new employers settling disputeswith former employers on their behalf.

In 2007, it was through her initiativethat the Department of Islamic Affairs

sponsored a basketball tournament as a healthyalternative for workers who were interested in spendingtheir free time in sports. Over 20 teams participated in thetournament which has since become an annual activity.In the same year, she was chosen as the best staff in herDepartment and was nominated for the SheikhMohammad Excellence Award, a government initiativewhich seeks to recognize government employees for serviceexcellence. The nomination also earned her promotion tothe post she holds today. She was deputized by thePhilippine Consulate as a Filipino community leader inOctober 2007 to provide assistance to Filipino workerswhenever the need arises.

In the aftermath of typhoon Frank in 2008, Ms. Kasimiehpersonally sent relief goods to Iloilo consisting of sacks of rice,canned goods, clothes, and school supplies for the victimsand their families. The relief goods were distributed with theassistance of the local government of Lambunao, Iloilo.Realizing that the most urgent need after the floods hadsubsided was access to water supply, she donated twowater pumps per month over a three-year period. A totalof 36 water pumps have since been constructed throughMs. Kasimieh’s funding support. Beneficiary municipalitieswere located in Iloilo, Cavite and the cities of Bacolod,General Santos, and Cotabato.

In 2009, Ms. Kasimieh responded to a request for assistancefrom the Philippine National Police Office in Lambunao,Iloilo. She funded the procurement of office equipmentand furniture. In the same year, Ms. Kasimieh again donatedfunds for the purchase of hospital supplies and equipmentto refurnish the Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital.She has continued to provide financial support to thehospital over the past six years.

Banaag

32

Kinding SindawKinding SindawKinding SindawKinding SindawKinding SindawUnited States of America

In conferring the Banaag Award to Kinding Sindaw, the President recognizes its sense of pride and dedication to the promotion ofindigenous Filipino culture and art forms, particularly from the Southern Mindanao region, through its world-class performances.

Kinding Sindaw is consideredby many as a national treasurebecause it elicits pride in thehearts of Filipino Muslims in thePhil ippines and the UnitedStates. By featuring the dances,music and other art forms ofMindanao tribes who were leftuntouched by the Spanish andAmerican colonizers, itshowcases the country’s Muslimheritage. Kinding Sindaw’s focuson indigenous culture andtradition serves to inspire thosewho seek their roots in pre-colonial Philippines.

In 1992, Ms. Potri Ranka Manisfounded the dance troupe andcalled it Kinding Sindaw, the ancient Maranao term for “Danceof Light.” Ms. Manis, who comes from a royal Maranao clan,is also the troupe’s performer, choreographer, and artisticdirector. Many of the dances in the troupe’s repertoire havebeen passed down through successor generations, and herown artistic interests led her to do further research on the dancesand art forms of the other Mindanao tribes.

The dances of Kinding Sindaw originate from the royal courtdances of the Maranao Sultanate. A repertory of the sacred,the classic, and the secular, they reflect the richness of thenatural environment through a unique combination of graceand vigor in execution. The musical accompaniment consistsof different percussion instruments: the kulintang, a tunedbronze kettle drum set, known more commonly in the West asgamelan; a variety of hanging gongs which include the bossedagong and the unbossed gandingan and bababdir; and thedabakan, a cylindrical drum. Other instruments used byMindanao cultural groups include the salunay, a polychordalbamboo tube zither; the kudlung, a two-stringed lute; and thekubing, a bamboo jaws harp.

In its desire to propagate indigenous Filipino arts and music,Kinding Sindaw has produced cultural presentations drawn fromlegends, epics, myths; performances featuring tribal dances;and demonstrations of kulintang music and martial arts. Amongthese are the Pandibulan: Bathing by Moonlight which honorsthe Yakan people from the Basilan Island; Bembaran, an ancientPhilippine tale of love and loyalty in the 20th century setting;Mindanao’s Living Traditions on Stage featuring indigenousMindanao music and arts, demonstration of native instruments,and lectures by scholars and writers on Maranao life and culturepresented in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General;Sultan Kudarat which resurrects the monumental story of SultanKudarat and the people of Maguindanao; Sinta which featuredthe Maranao kasuduratan dance, Tausug turtle dance, andTiboli marriage rituals; Parang Sabil (Sword of Honor) whichdepicts the conquest of the Tausug people by the Americans;Lemlunay which is based on an epic story of the Tiboli people;Vignettes of Mindanao which featured the cultural lives,traditions, dance, music, and martial arts of indigenous peoplein the Philippines; and Rajah Mangandiri which is KindingSindaw’s adaptation of the the 4th century Indian epicRamayana as preserved by the Maranao people.

In a little over two years of itsexistence, Kinding Sindaw takespride of its more than 50performances at various festivalsand cultural gatherings. Becauseof its excellence in theatricaldance presentations, artisticcourage, and the intensity oftheir commitment to showcasingthe Philippines’ rich history andfolklore, Kinding Sindaw becamea resident theatre company ofLa Mama Experimental TheaterClub in New York in 2000. Thelatter is a world theatre whichhas been in existence for almost50 years. Its primary thrust is theproduction of global art forms andthe presentation of the most

authentic artistic voices from around the world.

Kinding Sindaw participated in a number of fund-raisingactivities by performing at benefit shows for the Filipino victimsof Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, thefamine-stricken communities in Mindanao, the construction ofthe Save Our Street Children Foundation Center in Baguio City,the support activities for the Philippine Nurses Association inNew York, and the typhoon victims in the Philippines as well asthe earthquake victims in Indonesia.

As part of its Philippine history and cultural education program,Kinding Sindaw conducts lectures, symposia, workshops, andfora on dances for the Filipino Inter-collegiate Network Dialoguein Ramapo College, New Jersey; Lotus Arts Studios in New York;Fulbright Scholars of New School in New York; Filipino-AmericanArtist Foundation; Philippine Consulate General in New York;and humanities students of La Guardia Community College,Queens, New York. The troupe also conducted a series of story-telling activities with performances about Filipino folk tales,music, and dances at the Queens Library in New York.

Kinding Sindaw has performed all over the United States andat international socio-civic events such as the Global NGO Forumfor Women in Beijing and the United Nations commemorationof the International Day for the El imination of RacialDiscrimination. The troupe was featured in the Martha StewartShow Philippine Special and performed at Yale University, LincolnCenter, Wave Hill, Elebash Recital Hall, Puffin Room, Sylvia andDanny Kaye Playhouse, Theatre of the Riverside Church,Kennedy Center, Nunnbetter Dance Theater, Museum ofModern Art, American Museum of Natural History, and theSmithsonian Institution.

As a testament to its works, the New York Express Week citedKinding Sindaw for educating audiences through music andother art forms. The New York Theatre Review described oneof its performances as a magical world of music, dance, anddrama coming to life on stage.

Banaag

33

Sr. Lucia C. OlaliaSr. Lucia C. OlaliaSr. Lucia C. OlaliaSr. Lucia C. OlaliaSr. Lucia C. OlaliaSouth Korea

In conferring the Banaag Award to Sr. Lucia C. Olalia, the President recognizes her outstanding service and tirelessefforts to extend much-needed assistance to distressed migrants in South Korea, and her resourcefulness in providingsolutions to cases involving the violation of human rights of Filipinos overseas.

When she founded the Friends WithoutBorders Migrants’ Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, in 2004, Sr. Lucia Olaliamust have been inspired by the Parableof the Lost Sheep. She has devoted herlife to a pastorelle that provides a placeof refuge not for lambs gone astray butfor distressed migrants such asmaltreated wives and disadvantagedworkers. The Center is a concreteresponse to the increasing need toprovide various forms of assistance toSouth Korea-based migrants regardlessof their nationality, ethnic origin, andreligious affiliation.

Cognizant of the plight of sufferingwomen who have intermarried and aresubjected to physical, sexual, andeconomic abused by their spouses, Sr.Lucia conceptualized a plan to help them regain self-confidence and facilitate their reintegration into themainstream.

Sr. Olalia’s background in psychology and her professionalexperience as a counselor in the Philippines proved to beuseful in developing a guidance and counseling programfor the foreign wives of Korean nationals. She conductedseveral four-month long programs at the MOYSE Shelter inCheonan and Taejon, South Korea. The objective was tobuild a support network among the participants that wouldenable them to mentor and lend moral support to eachother. To-date, dozens of women from different developingcountries and based in other South Korean cities, includinga good number of Filipinas, have benefited from herintervention.

Aside from being a counselor, Sr. Lucia worked actively for

eight years as a coordinator at the Catholic InternationalParish of Seoul which served as a second home for foreignersworking or residing in South Korea. The parish celebratesmass in German, English, Italian, Spanish, French, andPortuguese to accommodate the spiritual needs of variousnationality groups.

When the Kasan Migrant Workers’ Center requested for a

Filipino pastoral worker to accommodate the huge numberof OFWs availing of their services, the Sisters of Jesus GoodShepherd Pastorelle sent Sr. Lucia given her provencapacity to render excellent service. As a pastoral worker,she assisted OFWs with problems involving the violation oftheir human rights and social welfare. She visited them inhospitals, immigration and detention centers, and labor

offices. Further, as a result of herinitiatives, the OFWs in Kasan and thePhilippine Embassy in Seoul collaborateto address concerns affecting overseasFilipinos. The latter are now betterinformed through regular updates onlabor issues, seminars and trainingprograms, and other news andinformation from the Post.

Apart from her regular activities, Sr.Lucia worked tirelessly to seek legalassistance on behalf of Filipinos andforeign workers in difficult situations. Shecourageously goes to factories to meetand negotiate with Korean employerswho abuse and exploit Filipinos. Shealso regularly visits foreign and Filipinoinmates at the Taejon Prison where sheprovides counseling to the inmates,

shells out personal funds to buy stamps and writing pads sothe inmates can write their respective families in thePhilippines and provide updates on their condition.

Aware that most OFWs, whom she describes as having 3D

jobs (Dirty, Difficult, and Dangerous) in South Korea, wouldeventually return to the Philippines when their contractsexpire, she coordinates with a financial institution in Seoulto help her facilitate the processing of the savings accountapplications of some OFWs. She provides financialcounseling and puts emphasis on the need to save hard-earned money before they return to the Philippines.

A religious and a social worker rolled into one, Sr. Lucia

responds to OFWs in dire circumstances with exemplarydedication beyond the call of duty. Because of her efforts,the case of a Filipina who died in an amusement park inSouth Korea was resolved; an OFW had a successful surgerywith medical expenses amply covered through her fund-raising initiatives; and an abused Filipina obtained a divorcefrom her foreign spouse and gained custody over herdaughter through her intercession.

In 2009, even as she was thousands of miles away from

the Philippines, Sr. Lucia felt the desperate situation offamilies who were devastated by typhoons Ondoy andPepeng. She coordinated with Filipino associations andreligious communities in South Korea, including theAssociation of Women Religious Superiors of South Korea, toseek donations for the victims. The donations amounting tomore than US$28,000 were used to rehabilitate lives andcommunities through medical outreach programs,livelihood assistance, and skills enhancement projects.

Banaag

34

Evangelina V. YboEvangelina V. YboEvangelina V. YboEvangelina V. YboEvangelina V. YboJordan

In conferring the Banaag Award to Evangelina V. Ybo, the President recognizes her exceptional achievementin uniting Filipino organizations in Jordan; advocating for their equal protection, recognition and welfare; andfostering good employer-employee relations to improve the working environment of Filipinos overseas.

If a search for a global Filipino wereto be conducted, Evangelina V. Ybowill definitely top the list.

A humble house manager and nannyfor sixteen years and in three continentswhile in the service of a foreign coupleinvolved in internationalorganizations, Ms. Ybo has exemplifiedthe best Filipino qualities and valuesby extending assistance to herkababayan worldwide beyond thelimits of her personal capacity.

Ms. Ybo considers fostering a strongsense of unity among different Filipinoorganizations in Jordan as her greatestaccomplishment. Just like Filipinogroups in other countries, the various associations in Jordanhave different agendas and objectives that often lead tomisunderstanding and conflicts among themselves. In 2005,she started her advocacy to unite the various organizationsinto a federation. Three years after, given her patienceand sustained advocacy, various Filipino communityorganizations finally converged, identified common goals,and eventually gave birth to the Federation of FilipinoOrganizations in Jordan or FilOrg-Jordan. Aside fromfostering unity, the Federation also seeks to secure morerights and better conditions for domestic helpers incooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Amman.

After the Federation’s charter was ratified, Ms. Ybo waselected president for a two-year term. In recognition of heruntiring efforts and unquestionable leadership, she wasoverwhelmingly re-elected by her fellow leaders in early2010. Today, the Federation has 19 Filipino organizationscomprised of 800 members. It has organized countlessactivities geared to promote camaraderie, enhance skills,recognize talents, and uplift the image of Filipinos in Jordan.It regularly conducts sports festivals, talent shows, seminarsand trainings, and actively participates in the PhilippineIndependence Day Celebration in Amman.

Ms. Ybo also led several campaigns to promote awarenesson the situation of Filipino migrant workers in Jordan byorganizing charity concerts for victims of illegal recruitmentand distressed overseas Filipinos. She also spearheadedcampaigns to support the victims of calamities in thePhilippines.

To recognize the benevolence ofselected Jordanian and other foreignemployers to their Filipino employees, Ms.Ybo organized an awarding ceremonyfor 35 Model Employers of the Year,which included Her Royal HighnessPrincess Sumaya as one of the honorees.The award seeks to encourage bettertreatment of household service workersand create a conducive workingenvironment built on trust, respect, andrecognition of mutual rights.

Noting the financial burden faced bymore than 70 Filipino Muslim scholarsstudying Islamic Law and Jurisprudenceat the University of Mu’tah in theProvince of Karak, Ms. Ybo exempted

them from paying their monthly membership dues in theFederation and oftentimes extends monetary assistance tothem. The FilOrg-Jordan has also become a venue forFilipino Muslims and Christians to work together peacefully.

Ms Ybo is also a volunteer in the various activities of TheJesuit Center, a special English-language Catholic Parishthat serves the diverse expatriate community in Amman.She serves as a guitarist and music ministry coordinator atthe weekly evening mass celebrated in a hostel run by thePhilippine Embassy for distressed Filipinas who need a secureshelter while awaiting the resolution of their cases. She alsoorganizes the First Holy Communion of Filipino children in theCenter and trains them to serve in the parish mass on Fridays,and to participate in several parish activities duringChristmas as singers and dancers.

True to her nature as a “global Filipino,” in whatevercountry her employers are stationed, Ms. Ybo is able to useher leadership skills. Before moving to Jordan, she wasactively involved in the causes of the Filipino community inCairo. She spearheaded community events that enabledFilipinos to get closer and raise funds for legal defense andsupport services of Filipinos experiencing extreme difficulties.She also accompanied a dying Filipino widow on the latter’strip back to Manila and provided much needed supportand assistance. She worked on the required legal papersso she could adopt the child of the dying widow. While inSouth Africa, Ms. Ybo joined a Neighborhood CrisisCommittee to devise strategies to help the local communitysurvive a military coup d’etat.

Pamana ng PilipinoPamana ng PilipinoPamana ng PilipinoPamana ng PilipinoPamana ng Pilipino

The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinosoverseas who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the

Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognitionthrough excellence and distinction in the pursuit of

their work or profession.

Awardees

Lilac L. CañaCanada

Angelito DL. DavidUnited States of America

Fred S. De AsisUnited States of America

Bernard Randy G. GenerUnited States of America

Lillibeth E. NavarroUnited States of America

Rafe TotengcoUnited States of America

37

Pamana ng Pilipino

Lilac L. CañaLilac L. CañaLilac L. CañaLilac L. CañaLilac L. CañaUnited States of America

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Lilac L. Caña, the President recognizes her remarkable achievements asa virtuoso performer in music and as a generous benefactor of many causes that contribute to the well-being ofunderprivileged sectors in the Philippines and Canada.

A dynamic soprano who touchesaudiences worldwide with her dazzlingperformances in operatic, broadway,jazz or pop music, Ms. Lilac Caña beganclassical voice training in Austria with theAmerican Institute of Musical Studies.She graduated with honors from theUniversity of Toronto Opera PerformanceProgram and studied at the GlennGould Professional School at the RoyalConservatory of Music.

From 1997 to 2000, Ms. Caña performedwith the Canadian Opera CompanyChorus as a chorus member in severaloriginal productions, most notably inWagner’s Der Fl iegende Höllander,Polenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, andStravinsky’s Oedipus Rex / Symphonyof Psalms. She played operatic roles withOpera Mississauga, including anappearance as Annina in Puccini’s La Traviata and asFrasquita in Bizet’s Carmen. She took on musical theatreroles with CVS Productions playing the part of Valenciennein Lehar’s The Merry Widow and Tuptim in Rodgers andHammerstein’s The King and I. She also played the roles ofPamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Despina in CosiFan Tutte with the Brampton Lyric Opera. She created therole of Lai-Gwan in the world premiere of Iron Road withTapestry Music Theatre which was first produced at Toronto’sElgin Theatre in 2001.

As a concert soloist, Ms. Caña has appeared in symphonic,chamber, oratorio, and contemporary music works withnumerous orchestras and choirs in Canada, the UnitedStates, Europe, and the Philippines. She has sung with theToronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, the Orchestra daCamera Toronto, the Toronto Synfonietta, the KammermusikToronto, the Mississauga Symphony, the NorthumberlandOrchestra, the Counterpoint Community Orchestra, theSinfonia Sacra, The Cellar Singers, the Orpheus Choir, theEnsemble TrypTych Chamber Choir, the Si lverthornSymphonic Winds, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra atthe Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the PhilippineBallet Theater at the Danny Kaye Playhouse in New YorkCity.

Some of her most noted concert solo performances includeappearing as soprano soloist with bass-baritone GaryRelyea and the Cellar Singers in Vaughan Williams’ A SeaSymphony and Mendelssohn’s Elijah, soprano soloist inHandel’s Messiah with the Sacred Music Society, sopranosoloist in Stanford’s Stabat Mater with Ensemble TryptychChamber Choir, featured artist at the Tastes of HeavenGala for the Catholic Missions in Canada, soprano soloist inA Metro Christmas with Toronto’s Orpheus Choir, and a

performance at Parl iament Hil l inOttawa for Asian Heritage Monthcelebrations.

She has also served as cantor atseveral churches in the Greater TorontoArea, including the RosedalePresbyterian Church, St. Peter’s Church,Metropolitan United Church, St. IsaacJogues. She is currently the musicaldirector of St. John’s Polish NationalCatholic Church. Ms. Caña hasappeared in televised Massessponsored by the Archdiocese ofToronto and had the distinct honor ofsinging for Pope John Paul II on WorldYouth Day 2002 as a featured soloist withthe World Youth Day Choir.

In 1997, Ms. Caña founded the LilacSounds Productions that has so far

released seven compact disc albums featuring her renditionof selected songs: Encantada, released in 1998 featuringsongs and arias in Spanish, French, German, Italian, andFilipino, with original jazz-influenced songs in English; LabingDalawa, released in 1999 featuring classical Filipino lovesongs performed with internationally acclaimed concertpianist Raul Sunico; Exultate, released in 2001, featuringspiritual music throughout the ages; I’ll Be With You, releasedin 2006, featuring a collection of songs in several languagesand styles on the themes of love, loss, redemption, andintegration; A Christmas Celebration, released in 2007,featuring favorite carols and songs to inspire everyoneduring the Yuletide season; Believe, released in 2009,featuring songs of praise and worship; and Blossom, releasedin 2009, featuring a collection of Ms. Caña’s favorite songs.

Ms. Caña has also given concerts and created variousmulti-media arts events which have benefited severalcharities in Canada and the Philippines. Through her CanaCaridad Foundation, Ms. Caña has organized charityevents such as: Blossom Album Concert and CD Launchheld on 19 September 2009, that was able to raise C$3,000for the benefit of Free the Children, a Canadian charitableorganization that helps children through education; andBlessing Album Concert and CD Launch held on 28 January2010, that was able to raise C$40,000 for the rebuilding ofthe Rehabilitation and Livelihood Training Center of theImmaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries in Talisay,Cebu.

In recognition of her contributions to the arts and herservice to the community as a musician in Canada, Ms.Caña received the Performing Arts-Humanities Award givenby the National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada(NEPMCC) in October 2009.

38

Pamana ng Pilipino

Angelito DL. DavidAngelito DL. DavidAngelito DL. DavidAngelito DL. DavidAngelito DL. DavidUnited States of America

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Angelito DL. David, the President recognizes his internationalstature as watercolorist and art conservator, and his invaluable contribution as an exemplar of Filipino talent inthe arts and a staunch promoter of Philippine culture in the United States.

An artist once said thatwatercolor is poetry inmotion and must bepainted with anintolerable ease. That iswhy for most painters,watercolor is the hardestmedium to work withbecause it leaves no roomfor mistakes, not in thedrawing nor in the layeringof the paint. But awardwinning watercoloristAngelito DL. David hasmastered the art adeptly,through his vivid andcolorful creations that have stirred viewers’ differentemotions.

An illustrious creative artist and an exemplaryadvocate of Philippine visual arts heritage, Mr. Davidhailed from Balanga, Bataan. He graduated with abachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University ofSto. Tomas in 1957. He continued to seek the beautifulin Italy, the reputed artists’ haven, where he studiedpainting, fresco, and restoration of the arts, historicalmonuments, and documents. As an artist, heparticipated actively in various competitions in Romeand surrounding cities and garnered major prizes.Working with highly skilled restorers, he saved some ofthe world’s priceless antiquities in Florence.

He moved to New York in 1967 and worked briefly fortwo years restoring rare books and documents so thatfuture generations can also appreciate the writingsof their forebears. He returned to the Philippines in1969, where he started to take the spotlight for hismastery of watercolor. He taught fine arts in differentcolleges and universities for over 22 years whileexhibiting his works in galleries and other venues. Heco-organized and headed the Watercolor Society ofthe Philippines, and became one of the prime moversof the Art Association of the Philippines. He alsobecame an art conservator, consultant,authenticator, and appraiser of art works in variouspublic and private institutions which include theNational Museum, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, theNational Historical Institute, the Malacañang PalaceMuseum, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Mr. David migrated to the United States in 1992,where he continued to shine and earn recognition for

his artworks. He wonawards in juried shows asmember of the HudsonArtists, Inc., GardenState, New Jersey, andthe AmericanWatercolor Societies.

Today, he is a leadingfigure in thec o n t e m p o r a r yinternational art scene.Mr. David has heldsuccessful solo and groupexhibits in the Philippines,Italy, and the United

States. Among the exhibits where his artworks werefeatured include: the Philippine Cultural Exhibition toTokyo, the International Art Exhibition (Asia), thePhilippine Independence Centennial CelebrationExhibits in New York and Washington, the Hudson ArtistsAnnual Juried Show, the Society of the Philippine-American Artists Annual Exhibit, the Garden StateWatercolor Society Annual Exhibit, and the NationalArts Program Annual Exhibit in New Jersey

Mr. David also shares his expertise with a largeraudience. He currently teaches watercolor at the VisualArts Center of New Jersey in Summit, the Arts Guild ofRahway, and the Jersey Central Arts Studio in Cranford.He conducts workshops for art groups on watercolorglazing or “pouring.” His talent and skills have inspiredmany young art students and up-and-coming artists.

Believing in the creativity and talent of Filipino-American artists, he co-founded the Society of Philippine-American Artists in 1995. The organization aims topromote Philippine arts, assist aspiring artists in the NewYork area to upgrade their skills and techniques.

In 2005, he was recognized as the Artist of the Yearby the Hudson Artists for his extraordinary skill inwatercolor painting. His works have been published inbooks and featured in various publications.

Aside from painting, Mr. David has been activelypromoting Philippine music and culture as the leadbandurria player of the UP Alumni and Friends Rondalla.He is also a pastoral leader and a founding member of aFilipino religious group based in St. Elizabeth of HungaryChurch in Linden, Newark.

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Pamana ng Pilipino

Fred S. De AsisFred S. De AsisFred S. De AsisFred S. De AsisFred S. De AsisUnited States of America

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Fred S. De Asis, the President recognizes his artistry for preservingancient Philippine art techniques, and promoting Filipino arts and culture in the United States.

With the dawn of themodern art, one of the mostintricate yet beautifulancient Fi l ipino arttechniques was almost lost.But one Filipino artist madeit his mission to revive andpreserve the lost art.

International artist andcurator, Fred De Asis is theman behind the highlypublicized Philippine culturaltraveling art exhibit entitled“Kut-kut: the Lost Art of thePhilippines”, which debutedin the US in 2006. An ancientPhil ippine art style andtechnique based on earlycentury art forms, Kut-kut is a combination of ancientart processes which utilizes the processes of sgraffito,encaustic and layering. The merging of these ancientstyles produces a unique artwork characterized bydelicate swirling interwoven lines, multi-layeredtexture and an illusion of three-dimensional space. Asa master practitioner of Kut-kut technique in NorthAmerica, he conducts demos, lectures and art classesfor public to revive the lost art form.

Much to his desire of promoting Filipino arts andculture to Filipino-Americans, Mr. De Asis also conductsfree Parol Making Workshop since 2006. Held annually,the workshop gives opportunity to Filipino-Americanchildren to learn how to make parols, and presentsFilipino artistry and culture during the Christmas season.Moreover, he conducts Saranggolahan Pilipino, aworkshop which aims to strengthen parent and childrelationship by working together in making kites. Healso teaches Filipino art classes at the PaaralangPilipino for Filipino-American youth in Chicago area.

Coming from a family of artists and classicalmusicians, being an artist is innate for Mr. De Asis. Histalent, especially in ancient and classical art, was alsoenhanced as a result of years of study throughout thePhilippines, Thailand, Spain and the US. He hasparticipated in many solo and group art exhibits inEurope and Asia. Among the galleries whichshowcased his works were the Redfern Gallery ofLondon, Galleria Alfama of Madrid, and Ginza MeijiGallery of Tokyo. His paintings are found in public and

private collections in thePhil ippines, England,Canada, Japan, Spain,Mexico and the US. Somewere featured in the USnational television andseveral publications.

Mr. De Asis is the onlyFil ipino artist whoseartworks were chosen fordisplay by Sak’s FifthAvenue, an internationalhigh-end department store,during the annual HighlandPark Art Work Festival. Hisworks have also beendisplayed during the SkokieFestival of Cultures and the

Asian American Festival of Chicago. Because of hiseye for the arts, he became a sought-after judge inmany prestigious art fairs across the US. Remarkably,he also supports charity groups and other organizationsin their fundraising projects by donating his art workseither for auctions or as raffle prizes.

Aside from being a prolific artist, Mr. De Asis alsoproves to be a good community leader. He was thefirst Asian-American to be appointed as ArtsCommissioner of the Village of Arlington Heights, Illinoisin December 2006. The Art Commission plays a primaryrole in enhancing and encouraging culturaladvancement within the village. He also serves asdirector of the Southeast Asian Artist Coalition of NorthAmerica. In 1980, he co-founded a Filipino artists groupin Chicago called Larawan where he was elected asits first president. The group showcases Filipino talentsby providing fine art exhibits in Chicago area.

In 1982, Mr. De Asis opened the Fdeasis Fine Art studioin Chicago, providing private commission of portraitsand artworks, furniture and interior design, andcommercial advertisements. He now manages studiosand galleries in Chicago, New York and ArlingtonHeights.

His artistic talent and skilled leadership made himthe recipient of 2006 Fil-Am and 2007 Asian-AmericanHall of Fame awards for outstanding achievement ofan individual in promoting arts and culture in NorthAmerica.

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Pamana ng Pilipino

Bernard Randy G. GenerBernard Randy G. GenerBernard Randy G. GenerBernard Randy G. GenerBernard Randy G. GenerUnited States of America

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Bernard Randy G. Gener, the President recognizes his excellence in the field of theater arts and

creativity, and diligence in promoting Filipino-American cultural interests and accomplishments to mainstream audiences in the United States.

Writer, director, playwright, crit ic,dramaturgist, lecturer, and editor—titles thatreflect the innate talents of Mr. Bernard RandyGener.

A Manileño until his migration to the UnitedStates in 1986 to join his mother in Nevada, Mr.Gener eventually became a New Yorker afterhis graduation from college and his acceptanceof an internship with Village Voice. Two yearslater, he joined the regular staff as a theater criticand culture writer. At this juncture, Mr. Generdecided that he was ready to evolve from criticto creator.

He has since written and directed numerousplays such as: “Love Seats for Virginia Wolf,”“What Remains of a Rembrandt Torn Into FourPieces,” “Sick With Lust: Fire, Island Tales,” “InSeptember, The Light Changes,” and “Wait for Meat the Bottom of the Pool.” He has adapted worksby Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Harold Pinter, Samuel Beckett, Sam Shepard,and Andrew Holleran, among others. His works have also appeared innumerous publications such as The New York Times, The InternationalHerald Tribune, The Daily News, The Paris Review, The Star Ledger,Gannett Newspapers, and The Korean Theatre Journal. His writingshave also been translated and published in French, Spanish, Romanian,Korean, Japanese, Czech, Hindi, Swedish, Russian, and Bulgarianlanguages.

Mr. Gener made his mark in digital media as a pioneer drama critic inthe New York Wire, an online magazine that started in 1995. He laterbecame a senior journalist of Theater.com and BroadwayOnline.com.In June 2000, he became the first anchor of the live web cast of theannual Tony Awards ceremonies.

Currently a senior editor of the American Theater Magazine, Mr. Generaffirmed his posit ion as a leading drama crit ic of national andinternational stature by being the first Asian-American to win theprestigious George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism fortheatrical year 2007 to 2008. Conferred annually by the Heads of theEnglish Departments of Yale, Princeton, and Cornell universities, theNathan Awards is the highest accolade given in the United States fordramatic criticism.

As an editor and critic, Mr. Gener has staunchly advocated for freeexpression and free speech in the arts. A concrete example is his article,“Fomenting a Denim Revolution,” that chronicles the plight of the guerillaartists of Belarus Free Theatre who performed underground in Minsk whilearguing openly for regime change. Said article earned Mr. Gener the2010 Deadline Club Award for Best Arts Reporting, one of New YorkCity’s most prestigious journalism awards.

Using his articles in the American Theater Magazine, Mr. Gener hasalso exposed numerous incidents of censorship and repression of theaterartists worldwide. He has covered reports on Indian Gujarati Theaterartists facing death threats, house arrests, and violence; Chinese writersconfronting Communist Party guardians; allegations of censorship oftheater in the government of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela; the controversyover the call for the cultural boycott of Israel; and the emergence of

Middle-Eastern American Drama in the UnitedStates. Mr. Gener was also a major contributorto the Cambridge Guide to the AmericanTheater, a U.S. theater encyclopedia publishedby the Cambridge University Press in 2007. Hisessay on the history of Filipino-American theatreis the first time that the artistic contributions ofFilipino-American theatre artists have beendocumented in any encyclopedia. In the past,contributions of Filipino-Americans were onlyincluded as part of the Asian-Americanmovement and not treated separately or givenspecial focus.

He forged international cultural exchangesthrough the arts by serving as lead producerand cultural exchange consultant for the firstever Filipino-American production to premierein an Eastern European country following the fallof communism. He arranged for the Romaniantour of the Ma-Yi Theater Company’s award-

winning Filipino-American production of “The Romance of Magno Rubio”in 2008. For the first time, Eastern Europe was introduced and exposedto the artistry and creativity of a U.S.-based professional non-profitFilipino-American theater company. He also gave two public lecturesand headed a panel discussion in Romania that provided historicalcontexts. As a result, the Romanians came to understand that theirvexed situation in the European Union had some important parallels tothe immigrant experiences of Filipinos in American history.

Mr. Gener demonstrated his innovativeness in creating visual artexhibitions that promote a better understanding and appreciation bythe general public of the lives of Filipino immigrants in the United States.He organized, produced, and curated two exhibitions on the historyand culture of Filipinos and Filipino- Americans. The photo exhibit “To Bea Filipino in America: Carlos Bulosan and His World” was held at the LongWharf Theater Company in New Haven, Connecticut from April to May2005. It explored the life and career of the poet/novelist Carlos Bulosan,the first important literary voice for Filipinos in the United States. Thesecond exhibit entitled “Positively No Filipinos Allowed: To Be A Filipinoin America” was presented at the Culture Project in New York City fromMay to June 2007. It documented the lives of Fil ipino-Americanimmigrants and Filipino migrant farm workers in California, Alaska, andSeattle in the 1930s and 1940s.

The seemingly indefatigable Mr. Gener has volunteered and sharedhis time, expertise, and efforts at a number of prestigious national andinternational festivals, funding programs, play-subsidies, and artsphilanthropy. He has also given lectures and participated in paneldiscussions celebrating and critically exploring the artistic talents andachievements of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. These include thefollowing: moderating a panel discussion on “Beyond 3,000 Pairs of Shoes:Who is Imelda Marcos to Us Today?” featuring Filipino-American theaterartists, filmmakers, fashion designers, and food luminaries; serving asplenary speaker during the two Dreaming the Americas theatreconferences which focused on the lack of recognition of Filipino-American theatre artists in U.S. mainstream theatre and on the future ofAsian-American culture to an audience of theatre artists andpractitioners from around the country; and giving a series of internationallectures on the “Secret History the American Theater” which documentsthe struggles of Filipino-American theater artists in the United States.

41

Pamana ng Pilipino

Lillibeth E. NavarroLillibeth E. NavarroLillibeth E. NavarroLillibeth E. NavarroLillibeth E. NavarroUnited States of America

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Lillibeth E. Navarro, the President recognizes the strength of herpassion and steadfastness in advocating for the rights and welfare of people with disabilities, and her manysuccessful advocacies such as the establishment of the CALIF, an independent living center in the UnitedStates.

Because of her conviction that no oneis free when others are oppressed,Lillibeth E. Navarro devoted her life tofight for real social change and bringabout equality for all, especially thedisabled.

Ms. Navarro has been physicallydisabled since she was five years oldafter contracting polio during herinfancy. However, she did not let herdisability get in the way of leading anormal life. At age 15, she came toknow the Focolare Movement, aninternational organization thatpromotes the ideals of unity anduniversal brotherhood. This encountertotally revolutionized her view of theworld and her role in shaping it.Inspired by these ideals, she embarked on a lifetimeadventure to prove that “wheelchairs can fly!”

She reached out to other disabled people in herhometown in Tarlac and soon established a community forthe disabled. She wrote about people with disabilities. Herwork eventually merited a scholarship at the University ofSouthern California, where she graduated with a bachelor’sdegree in print journalism and a master’s degree in publicrelations.

She joined the Disability Rights Movement in the mid-80s and got involved in the fight for the passage of theAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other disabilityrights legislation. She led the Southern California chapterof ADAPT, an advocate-activist disability organizationthat initiated the national campaign to put wheelchairlifts and ramps in public transportation systems. This led toher recognition as one of the national pioneers of thedisability rights movement in the United States. She wasalso recruited as one of the first planners to implement apara-transit service for Los Angeles County. She ensuredthat the service was going to be fully accessible anddisabled-friendly. While she was arrested several timesfor her advocacies, she takes pride in having beenresponsible for buses with lifts, sidewalks with curb cuts,and the fact that the disabled now have access to jobsin the American mainstream.

With the end-in-view of further empowering the disabilitycommunity, in 2001, she founded the independent living

center serving central Los Angeles, theCommunit ies Actively L iv ingIndependent & Free or CALIF. I tprovides independent l iv ingadvocacy services l ike housing,counsel ing, teaching ass ist ivetechnology, giving referrals, andorganizing independent living skillstrainings, among others. In 2010, CALIFsuccessfully led the fight to save theCity of Los Angeles’ Department onDisability from abolition. As Director ofCALIF, she vows to achieve nothing shortof turning her vision into reality: the fullinclusion, equality, and the promise oflife, liberty, and pursuit of happiness forall people with disabilities, especially inthe underserved ethnic communities ofLos Angeles.

Prior to the establishment of CALIF, in 1994, she foundedthe In-Home Supportive Services or IHSS Recipients andProviders Sharing whose goal is the establishment of aconsumer-controlled Public Authority for Los AngelesCounty. These efforts led to the successful establishmentof the biggest consumer-controlled IHSS Public Authorityin the United States, now called the Personal AssistanceServices Council.

With high hopes to bring about greater collaborationbetween the public and private sectors for the creationof more accessible services for the physically-challenged,in 2009, she was appointed to head the AccessibilityEnhancement Committee of the California Commissionon Disability Access. Since her appointment, she has beenrepresenting the interests of the disabled community in itswork to ensure the business community’s compliancewith the American Disabilities Act.

Ms. Navarro has also been an active spokesperson inthe fight against euthanasia for the disabled. Every year,she leads her community in the fight against state budgetcuts that diminish programs and services for her minoritygroup. She also ass isted the Service EmployeesInternational Union (SEIU) 1877 in their campaign to getairport wheelchair workers to get higher wages andbenefits due to the complexity of their jobs from operatingelectronic wheelchairs to transferring disabled passengers.

42

Pamana ng Pilipino

Rafe Totengco Rafe Totengco Rafe Totengco Rafe Totengco Rafe TotengcoUnited States of America

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Rafe Totengco, the President recognizes his entrepreneurialspirit and innate creativity and resourcefulness with the establishment of RAFE New York, which has becomeone of the leading and most popular brands of handbags in the international fashion industry.

If a dog is a man’s best friend, formost women… bags are it!

RAFE is one of the few designer baglabels with the most vibrant,innovative, and exquisite designs.Hollywood stars and fashion icons likeJulia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, KateMoss, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton,Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Sandra Oh,Lindsay Lohan, and Helena Christensenhave been spotted wearing RAFE.

Rafe Totengco is the man behindRAFE New York, a line of accessorieswhich include women’s handbags,shoes, and small leather goods. Theseare available at upscale departmentstores and specialty boutiquesworldwide including on-line shopping sites. He workswith a vast assortment of materials: wicker, rattan,sea grass, bamboo, cotton crochet, wool knit,snakeskin, leather fur, beaded fabrics, linen, canvas,and resin – to create accessories that his loyal fansclaim never go out of style. Every season, the RAFEcollection is fresh and exciting, always crafted usingonly the finest materials and techniques.

Born in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, at 18, Mr.Totengco moved to Manila and started a fashion labelSchizo for Sari-Sari. Without formal fashion training, heturned Schizo into a successful clothing andaccessories métier. At the height of his success in thePhilippine fashion scene, in 1989, he closed his businessand left Manila to take up fashion design at the FashionInstitute of Technology in New York. By 1994, heproduced his first accessories—belts and watchbandsfor a SoHo boutique. After working his way in andaround a number of other companies, in 1995, hestarted RAFE New York. Since then, bags andaccessories under the label RAFE New York haveearned international acclaim.

In 2008, he was tapped by Target, a leading retailstore in the United States, as the first accessoriesdesigner to create a capsule collection for the massretailer, setting a precedent that was soon picked upby others.

Repeatedly featured in magazinessuch as In Style, Allure, Teen Vogue,Redbook, People, Cosmopolitan,and Glamour, Mr. Totengco hasenjoyed worldwide brandrecognition in the internationalfashion scene. He received the TenOutstanding Young Men (TOYM)Award in 2002, the AsianEntrepreneur of the Year Award in2007, and the 50 Outstanding AsianAmericans Award in 2008. Drawingon his unique talents, multi-culturalbackground, and eclecticinspirations, he has become one ofthe most acclaimed of a newgeneration of Filipino-Americaninternational fashion designers. Hissuccess and sense of fulfillment

springs from his desire to help people, and bring joyand satisfaction to each of his customers as a valuedfriend.

Despite his fame and success, Mr. Totengco neverfails to help his kababayan. He has partnered withInvisible, a Philippine-based organization that teachespoor and marginalized women to crochet and knitaccessories from waste materials. His Spring 2010 linelaunched Craftwork, a capsule collection of handbagsfeaturing the crocheted works of women fromInvisible.

In 2009, he designed shirts as part of the Marie ClairePhilippines’ Gifts with a Conscience campaign. Thesales proceeds went to the Tapulanga Foundation,Inc., a non-profit charitable organization that provideseducational scholarships, healthcare, and micro-credit assistance to communities in NegrosOccidental. The project also led to the establishmentof the Rafe Totengco College Scholarship. He alsohelped the Foundation to raise money for the typhoonOndoy victims in the Philippines in 2010 by sponsoringthe RAFE Bags and Shoes Sale.

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The Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas

Awarding CeremonyAwarding CeremonyAwarding CeremonyAwarding CeremonyAwarding CeremonyTuesday, 14 December 2010, 06:00 p.m., Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace

ProgrammeProgrammeProgrammeProgrammeProgramme

The Philippine National Anthem

Invocation

Welcome RemarksSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. Nicolas

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Presentation of Awards by His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino IIIPresident of the Republic of the Philippines

Response on Behalf of the AwardeesRafe TotengcoRafe TotengcoRafe TotengcoRafe TotengcoRafe Totengco

Musical Number

Introduction of the Keynote SpeakerSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. NicolasSecretary Imelda M. Nicolas

Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino IIIPresident of the Republic of the Philippines

DinnerDinnerDinnerDinnerDinner

Ms. Ces Oreña-DrilonMs. Ces Oreña-DrilonMs. Ces Oreña-DrilonMs. Ces Oreña-DrilonMs. Ces Oreña-DrilonMaster of Ceremonies

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The Presidential Awards SystemThe Presidential Awards SystemThe Presidential Awards SystemThe Presidential Awards SystemThe Presidential Awards System

The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas is a biennialawards system intended to give recognition to Filipinos and other individuals or organizationsthat contribute to Philippine development and progress, or promote the interests of overseasFilipino communities. The awards are also given to Filipinos overseas who have distinguishedthemselves in their profession, and have brought honor to the Filipino people.

The awards system was institutionalized in 1991, with the signing of Executive Order No.498. The awards have so far been extended to 314 Filipinos and private organizations overseassince its establishment. President Fidel V. Ramos conferred the first and second sets of PresidentialAwards to 22 and 45 awardees in 1993 and 1996, respectively. President Joseph E. Estrada conferredthe 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 awardsto 34 (with one special citation), 45, 48, and 31 awardees, in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 respectively.

The Presidential Awards consist of four categories. The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Awardis conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contributionto reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines. The Kaanib ng Bayan Award isaccorded to foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contributionto Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sectoror community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities. TheBanaag Award is given to Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which havesignificantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseasFilipino communities. The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos overseas who, inexemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognitionthrough excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

On 14 December 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III will honor 24 distinguished Filipinoindividuals and organizations based in 11 countries, who because of their exceptionalachievements or humanitarian efforts, have given form and substance to Filipino excellenceand the time-honored values of pakikipag-kapwa, pagtutulungan, and pagkakaisa.

The awardees include exemplars of Filipino excellence, individuals who have dedicatedtheir work in the service of the Filipino people, stewards of community initiatives that promotecooperation for the common good, and advocates for the promotion and protection of therights of others. Civil society organizations based overseas, whose programs for interventionhave helped improve the lives of others, particularly the marginalized, will also be honored inobservance of the timeless tradition of utang na loob and bayanihan.

This year’s awardees were selected from a total of 110 nominations from 23 countriesthrough 35 Philippine Embassies and Consulates. Of the 24 awardees, 16 are individuals while 8are organizations. The awardees came from Australia, Canada, Germany, Hongkong, Israel,Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and UnitedStates of America.

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The Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas

Executive CommitteeExecutive CommitteeExecutive CommitteeExecutive CommitteeExecutive Committee

CHAIRMAN

Mr. Jose Maria J. PalabricaFormer Executive Director

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

MEMBERS

Ms. Esperanza H. QuillopoDirector, Office of the Presidential Protocol

Office of the President

Mr. Ramon M. LopezExecutive Director

Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship

Bishop Efraim M. TenderoNational Director

Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches

Mr. Rene Q. BasEditor-in-Chief

The Manila Times

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The Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forThe Year 2010 Presidential Awards forFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations OverseasFilipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas

Technical CommitteeTechnical CommitteeTechnical CommitteeTechnical CommitteeTechnical Committee

CHAIRPERSON

Ms. Minda I. Cabilao-ValenciaChief Emigrant Services Officer

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

MEMBERS

Atty. Golda Myra R. RomaChief Emigrant Services Officer

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Atty. Noemi Tan DiazSpecial Assistant

Office of the Undersecretary for AdministrationDepartment of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Patricia Oliver-MacamLegal Officer

Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers AffairsDepartment of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Marlene Ruth S. SanchezChief, Administrative Division

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Ms. Luningning E. SamaritaDirector, National Academy of Science and Technology

Department of Science and Technology

Ms. Mary Lou L. AlcidProfessor

University of the Philippines

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Gallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential Awardees

Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award

Ablaza, Sariel G.G., M.D.Adams, Gloria Y.ALA EH gem e.V.Association of Philippine Physicians of AmericaCagas, Cosme R., M.D.Caoile, Gloria T.De Venecia, Guillermo B., M.D.Enverga, Tobias Jr.Evangelista, Stella S., M.D.Feed the Hungry, Inc.FEU-Dr. Nicanor Reyes School of Medicine Alumni FoundationFilipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Inc.Filipino Women’s Association United KingdomH.O.P.E. FoundationHo, Jesus T., M.D.Ileto, Benjamin A., M.D.International Network of Filipinos OverseasMartin, Arsenio R., M.D.Montero, Juan II M., M.D.Nacario, Emanuel N.Navarra, Victoria C., M.D.Nihei, Mari BernabePhilippine American FoundationPhilippine Children’s Charity FundPhilippine Cultural Organization in Saarland, E.V.Philippine Economic and Cultural EndowmentScience and Technology Advisory Council San FranciscoSociety of Philippine Surgeons in AmericaStichting KapatiranTan, Elton SeeTria, Honesto R.Tesalona, Alfredo T.Torio, Isabelo S., M.D.University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in AmericaVijungco, Jose G., M.D.Visayas-Mindanao Cultural Association e.V.World Bank / IFC-IMF Filipino Association

Kaakabay ng Bayan Award

Aloha Medical MissionBalikatan sa Kaunlaran – Hong Kong CouncilConfederation of Filipinos Overseas OrganizationFilipino-American Community of ColoradoFilipino Community in Thailand

Kaanib ng Bayan Award

Anesvad FoundationAssociation AlouetteAssociation Philippines International of GenevaBooks for the BarriosCalifornia Technological Care, Inc.Catholic Medical Mission BoardChildren’s Chance CTConsuelo Zobel Alger FoundationCORA Filipino American Task Force Advisory BoardHanazaki, MisaoHeetens Helpgood Center PhilippinesInternational Medical Help for ChildrenJules and Paul- Émile Léger FoundationLigier, Laurence C.Ma’Ma Children’s Center of NorwayMartens, Robert S., Ph.D.Operation Rainbow Australia LimitedOperation Smile InternationalPAG-ASA Group – JapanPhilippine Development Assistance Programme“Salamat Po Kai”Social Welfare Corporation Raphael ClinicTsakos Shipping and Trading, S.A.

Banaag Award

Acebuche, Nestor A.Acosta, Rodrigo C.Al Zedjali, Essa MohamedAndes, Phoebe CabotajeAngelical, LiliaAranilla, Leticia R.Astillero, Moh’d Ali Carlito, M.D.Asuncion, Alexander E.Babaylan – SwitzerlandBagong Kulturang Pinoy, Inc.Balik Bohol Medical MissionBautista, Antonio C.

Filipino Community in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana IslandsFilipino Community of GuamFoundation for Aid to the Philippines, Inc.Volunteer Business Counselors of Doha

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Gallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential Awardees

Dasodas, Catherine D.De Guzman – Formoso, Ruby L., M.D.Dechaves, William D.Del Rosario, Sonia S.Dela Paz, James AllanDerpo, Esperanza R.Docoy, Fr. EugeneEvangelista, Jose L., M.D.Farmer, Lolita L., Atty.Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of CanadaFilipino American Human Services, Inc.Filipino American Medical, Inc.Filipino Association in BruneiFilipino Association of SingaporeFilipino Coalition for Solidarity, Inc.Filipino Communities Council of Australia, Inc.Filipino Community Center, Inc.Filipino Cultural ClubFilipino Korean Spouses AssociationFilipino Ladies Association of GuamFlorentino, Sr. Magdalena S., FMMFojas, Marcos R., M.D.Garcia, Lamberto S.Ginete, Alex Jose R.Go, Mildred AiresGo, Roman Ting, Engr.Goedicke, CharlotteHalasz, Fr. Luis, SVD

National Organization of Professional Teachers - Hong KongNatividad, Alicia, Atty.Natividad, Cornelio R.Natividad, Evelyn D.A., Ph.D.Navarra, Eduardo J.Nemivant, Emma BalquiedraNoblejas, Dr. Antonio N.Overs, Lilian Y.Panday Tinig Chorale EnsembleParagas, Rodolfo D.Paterno, Ramon A.P.Penang Support Group for Migrant FilipinosPhilippine American Group of Educators and SurgeonsPhilippine Association of Metropolitan Washington EngineersPhilippine Community Council of New South Wales

Bayoumi, Mohammad AhmadBeatty, Estrella C.Benzon, Norma R.Berberabe, Patricia A.Berdos, Imelda VollenweiderBuchholdt, Thelma G.Buhain, Wilfrido J., M.D.Bulos, Alice P.Carandang, Angeles R.Casambre, Sr. Mary Aida C.Casamina, Roland C.Centre for FilipinosCentre for Philippine Concerns – AustraliaCheng, Sian ChunCompas, Lolita B.Concepcion, Zenaida S., M.D.Covarrubias, Grace F.N.Cueto, Alex M., M.D.Cuizon, Virgilio G.Cunanan, Aguedo Q.Cunina Organization

Helbig, AureaHernandez, CarmencitaHo, Eleanor B.Home-Reach Foundation, Inc.Hong Kong Bayanihan TrustHyehwadong Filipino Catholic CommunityIck, Claire R.Iskwelahang Pilipino, Inc.Juele, Lilia R.KalayaanKanagawa Women’s Space Ms. LaKawayan Philippine Language and Cultural SchoolKinderhilfe PhilippinenKinderhilfe Philippinen, E.V.Lahing KayumanggiLammawin, Francis L.Lew, BridgetLubang-Looc InternationalMagdalena, Joseph I.Maharlika – SwitzerlandManglona, Benjamin T.Manuel, Vladimir James M.March, Marina Roma, M.D.Markham Federation of Filipino CanadiansMataac, Celso Jr. T.McGuinnes, Amor I.Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate ConcepcionMiyake, ChiyoMuzones, Santiago Jr., L.

Banaag AwardBanaag Award

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Gallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential Awardees

Pamana ng Pilipino Award

Abad, PacitaAbella, Manolo I.Abinsay, Felipe Jr. P.Acosta, Adolovni P.Aguirre, Bayani S.

Philippine Australian Sports and Culture, Inc.Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc.Philippine Cultural Foundation of HawaiiPhilippine Heritage BandPhilippine Institute of Certified Public AccountantsPhilippine Nurses Association of AmericaPhilippine School BahrainPhilipsen, Adelina R.Pilapil, Virgilio D.R., M.D.Quiblado, Conrada P.Quinto, Edgardo R.Racinez, Sr. Olivia, WCWRamos, Angel T.Ravindranathan, N., M.D.Reed, Loline L.Rizal-Blumentritt Society AustriaSabio, Fr. Raymond T.Salazar, Lourdes A.Sales, Justina L.Search to Involve Pilipino AmericansSeguritan, ReubenSirmata (Vision) 2004Steiner, Mona Lisa L.Tahanan (Diocesan Center for Filipino Migrants)Talangbayan, Francis V., M.D.Tendencia, Benita B.Tenorio, Pedro P.Theresa, LadeliTigno, Rosario B., M.D.Tomelden, Benjamin Jr. S.Tordjman, Paul SemoTuluyang Pinoy (Philippine Centre Zurich)United Filipino Council of HawaiiUy, Emilio Y.Vargas, Orlando R.Verstraeten, Jean PaulVeterans Equity CenterVictorian Community in BelgiumZamora, Prospero C.

Banaag Award

Alcantra, Anacleto R.Antonio, Camilo C.Aquino, Belinda A., Ph.D.Aranda, Jacob V., M.D.Ardiente, Editha M., Engr.Armit, Amelita AranasAsera, Larry L., Engr.Asmundson, Ruth U., Mayor, Ph.DBaisas, Armando V.Balcos, Ophelia G.Banatao, Diosdado P.Bebars, Evelyn Panganiban, M.D.Bernardo, Rodolfo S., Ed.S.Besa-Dorotan, Amelita C. and Dorotan, Romeo G.Bobis, MerlindaBuhay, Wilfredo R.Burns, Emme TomimbangCadawas, Eliodoro C.Camara, Jorge G., M.D.Cantos, Olegario VIII, D., Atty.Carlota, Lupo T., M.D.Castrence, Pura SantillanCastro, Salvador P.Cayetano, Benjamin J.Chai, Arlene JoanChen, Anita B.Ciani, Lina L.Cielo, Angel B., M.D.Clemente, Lilia CalderonCordero, Paciente Jr. A.Cordova, Frederic and DorothyCunanan, Zenaida F.Dadap, Michael A.De Asis – Benitez, JoanneDe Guzman, Rodolfo A., M.D.De Leon, Bayani M.Del Rosario, Remedios K.Dela Cruz, CesarDiaz, Jose DuddleyEsclamado, Alejandro A.Esguerra, Carlos D.Fernandez, Jovelle Laoag, M.D., Ph.D.Fitzsimmons, Edith DizonFlores, Eddie Jr.Fuentes, Dante C.Garcia, Jorge M., M.D.Garcia, Manuel M.Garcia, Renato B., MBEGoh, Ma. Cynthia J.

Pamana ng Pilipino Award

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Pamana ng Pilipino Award

Guingona, Michael Patrick L.Hagedorn, JessicaHaley, Ma. Luisa MabilanganHall, Vellie D.Hizon, Rico M.Ho, Anita MagsaysayIgarta, Venancio C.Kelly, Angelita CastroLamagna, Carmen Z., Ph.DLayosa, Erlinda R.Lewis, Loida Nicolas, Atty.Lim, Lenore R.S.Llamas, Antonio GarciaMacabenta, Gregorio B.Magsino, Romulo F., Ph.DMandac, Evelyn L.Manuel, Consorcio D.Maulana, Nasser B.Medalla, David C.Menez, Ernani G.Moguel, Milagros K.Natividad, IreneNatori, Josie C.Ostrea, Enrique Jr., M., M.D.Pagtakhan, Rey D., M.D.Palis, Rosendo K.Pangilinan, Manuel V.Pelayo, Libertito P.Quiambao, Rodolfo C., Engr.Ramos, Dr. Teresita V.Recana, Mel RedRodriguez, Manuel Sr. A.Rustia, Jeffrey, P.Sagun, Teresita B.Salih, Sharifa Zeannat AlihSantos, Emmanuel T.Soriano, EdwardSunico, Raul M.Tabalba, Camilo M.Tabuena, Romeo V.Taguba, Antonio M., Maj. Gen.Uy, Constancia S., M.D.Velazco, Gundelina A., Ph.D.Veloria, Velma R.Villoria, Engr. Nilo L.Viola, Arturo T.Zwaenepoel, Rev. Paul

Gallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential AwardeesGallery of Presidential Awardees

Special Presidential Citation

Filipinas Magazine

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53

Directory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 Awardees

TERESITA CALDERON ALARCON19110 Dalton Points Place, LeesburgVirginia 20176, USAPhone : (571) 333-5327Fax : (571) 333-5328t7alarcon@yahoo.com

RUTH C. MARTINEZ94A Roslyn St., Brighton, Victoria, AustraliaPhone : (613) 95-931-909 (614) 07-566-079ruthcm8@bigpond.comruthcarlos888@bigpond.com

NORTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OFPHILIPPINE PHYSICIANSOB-GYN Associates of Fredericksburg P.C.4105 Lafayette Blvd., FredericksburgVirginia 22408, USAPhone : (540) 898-0295Fax : (540) 891-0225sarielaserna@gmail.comoscarlaserna@gmail.com

PHILIPPINE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OFCONNECTICUT58 Bittersweet Lane, HamdenConnecticut, USAPhone : (203) 281-0716Fax : (203) 709-3156ginoa@hotmail.com

PHILIPPINE GERMAN COMMUNITYOBERBERG, e.V.Ludenscheiderstr 61Wipperfurth 51688, GermanyPhone : (049) 2267-2610theoangulo@gmx.de

LINKAPIL Awardees Kaanib ng Bayan Awardees

CARITAS LEBANON MIGRANTS CENTERTakla Center, Charles Helou Blvd.Sin El Fil, Beirut, LebanonPhone : (961) 1-502550Fax : (961) 1-502550 extension 203carimigr@inco.com.lb

PHOEBE BIK CHE LAMFlat 1, Block B, Lei Kei Bldg.Ngau Tau Kok Rd. 55, Kowloon, Hong KongPhone : (852) 9771-8823 (852) 2526-2629Fax : (852) 2526-2629phoebe_lambc@yahoo.com.hk

SUNNY KAI CHOR LAMFlat 63, 3F, Block C, Homantin Hill RoadKowloon, Hong KongPhone : (852) 9106-3618 (852) 8260-4038Fax : (852) 2121-1414sunnykcl@netvigator.com

SIMHA SALPETER28 Rembrant St., Tel Aviv, IsraelPhone : (972) 974-39-334montie@netvision.net.il

BANAAG Awardees

DR. EMELY D. ABAGAT43-1 Yeokgok 2 Dong WonmiguBucheonsi, Gyeonggido, South KoreaPhone : (8222) 164-4404 (8201) 5160-2928emelyabagat@yahoo.com

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LILAC L. CAÑA• 1816-81 Navy Wharf Court, TorontoOntario, Canada• 2866 Portland Drive, OakvilleOntario, CanadaPhone : (416) 363-7886 / (905) 829-5514Fax : (905) 829-5516lilaccana@rogers.com

ANGELITO DL. DAVID427 Washinton Ave., LindenNew Jersey 07036, USAPhone : (908) 486-5918njlitodavid@yahoo.com

FRED S. DE ASIS2607 E. Radford Ct., Arlington HeightsIllinois 6004, USAPhone : (847) 227-8660artist@fdeasis.com

PAMANA NG PILIPINO Awardees

Directory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 Awardees

COMPUTER SOCIETY OF FILIPINOSINTERNATIONALRiyadh, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaPhone : 9660540364396/966502459875Fax : 96614950875vbimperial@yahoo.coms_villalino@yahoo.com

CONGRESS OF VISAYAN ORGANIZATIONS99-1325 Aiea Heights Drive, AieaHawaii 96701, USAPhone : (510) 734-4491/(808) 756-3103Fax : (808) 443-0401juncolme@yahoo.comclemente001@hawaii.rr.com

FEDERATION OF FILIPINO COMMUNITIES IN ISRAELc/o Mr. David AntebyPhone : (972) 503-124-346minervsky005@yahoo.com

GEORGE G. GANGE1185 Piedmont Rd., San JoseSanta Clara County, California, USAPhone : (408) 926-8552chiefgange@sbcglobal.net

MARILYN WAFA R. KASIMIEH• Iloilo, Lambunao, Philippines• Islamic Affairs and Charitable ActivitiesDepartment, Almamzar, Dubai, UAEPhone : (04) 2629764 (04) 608777 extension 503 (04) 6087503Fax: (04) 6087555wkasimieh@iacad.gov.aewafa_shalom1692000@yahoo.com

KINDING SINDAW47 East Great Jones St., 3rd FloorNew York, New York 10012, USAPhone : (917) 710-2335kindsindaw@aol.com

SR. LUCIA C. OLALIA, SJBP• 50 Mubong 1 Ri, Soheul-up, Pocheon-siGyeonggi-do, South Korea• 409-7 Masan-ri, Kasan-Myeon, Pocheon-siSouth Korea 487-812Phone : (82) 31-543-1783/(82) 31-543-5795Fax : (82) 31-543-5296olalia2002@yahoo.com

EVANGELINA V. YBO• Swan Lake Claytown, Daro, Dumaguete• Karital Ufok Bader GedidaGreater Amman, Amman, JordanPhone : (962) 06-5472473jievybo@hotmail.com

BANAAG Awardees

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Directory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesDirectory of 2010 AwardeesPAMANA NG PILIPINO Awardees

BERNARD RANDY G. GENER• 853 7th Avenue, Suite 8F, New York City, USA• American Theater, Theater CommunicationsGroup, 520 8th Avenue, 24th Floor, New YorkPhone : (212) 246-7722 / (212) 609-5900Fax : (212) 609-5902rndygener@aol.com

LILLIBETH E. NAVARRO• 424 S. Westmoreland Avenue304 Los Angeles, California, USA• CALIF-ILC, 634 S. Spring St.2F, Los Angeles, California, USAPhone : (213) 386-3533 / (213) 627-0477Fax: (213) 386-3533lnavarro@calif-ilc.org

RAFE TOTENGCO• 460 West 24th St., Apt. 6E, New YorkNew York, USA• Rafe Corporation, 27 West 20th St.New York, New York, USAPhone : (917) 675-6922, (917) 546-2950Fax : (917) 470-9960rafe_totengco@rafeny.com

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The Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS (CFO) is an agency under the Office of the President which wasestablished on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa (Republic Act) 79, to strengthen ties with Filipinosoverseas and promote their interests in the Philippines and abroad.

FUNCTIONS OF CFO

B.P. 79 mandates CFO to:· Provide advice and assistance to the President and the Congress of the Philippines in the formulation of

policies concerning or affecting Filipinos overseas;· Develop and implement programs to promote the interests and well-being of Filipinos overseas;· Serve as forum for preserving and enhancing the social, economic, and cultural ties of Filipinos overseas

with the Philippine motherland; and· Provide liaison services to Filipinos overseas with appropriate government and private agencies in the

transaction of business and similar ventures in the Philippines.

CLIENTELE

The primary clientele of CFO includes the following:· Filipino emigrants and permanent residents abroad;· Filipinos overseas who have become citizens of other countries;· Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals leaving the country;· Descendants of Filipinos overseas as defined in B.P. 79;· Filipino youth overseas; and· Exchange Visitor Program participants.

VISION, MISSION, GOALS

VISION

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas envisions a community of well-respected and proudly competitiveFilipinos overseas who contribute significantly to the productivity and well-being of their countries of

residence while maintaining strong political, economic,and cultural ties with the Philippines.

MISSION

To be the Philippines’ premier institution in promoting policies, programs, and projects with Migration andDevelopment as a framework for the strengthening and empowerment of the community of Filipinos

overseas.

10-POINT GOALS OF THECOMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

2010 – 2016

A. Policy Advocacy

1) To advocate for coherent, coordinated and clear development policies to be mainstreamed in thepolicy-making process of government: on international migration, its cost-benefit implications andthe need for both national and local governments to maximize migration’s gains while minimizing itssocio-economic costs, that while international migration is a reality, government must create anenvironment that would make migration an option rather than a matter of necessity and that thegovernment’s primary responsibility remains focused on sustainable, integrated, equitable, nation-wide development taking into consideration the country’s economic, political and social structuralproblems and issues especially in relation to employment, poverty alleviation, equitable distributionof wealth and the benefit of development and improvement of all its citizens’ quality of life.

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The Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos Overseas2) To support and strengthen a favorable rights-based policy environment for the promotion and protection

of rights, welfare and status of overseas Filipinos; to assist in the formulation and implementation ofpolicies and programs relevant to their rights, welfare and status.

B. Socio-economic Development

3) To develop and implement, in coordination with and with the support of other government agencies,a streamlined and facilitative entry and directional process for “development assistance” in the formof resources, knowledge, skills and technology from Filipinos overseas, that will be strategic andresponsive to existing development issues and needs of the country and will optimize the assistance’sdevelopment potentials.

4) To provide mechanisms for various stakeholders to coordinate, forge partnerships, upscale andleverage diaspora funds (e.g. remittances and savings) and investments, broaden donors’ andinvestors’ base and replicate best practices especially in financial literacy, microfinance and socialenterprises, in order to make these funds more effective tools for the country’s development andeconomic growth.

C. Integration and Reintegration

5) To assist in the integration of migrating Filipinos in their host countries by educating them on therealities of international migration, preparing them to meet the practical, cultural and psychologicalchallenges attendant to migration and providing them other services as may be developed andneeded, mindful of the social costs of migration to the overseas Filipinos themselves (especially forthe women who are most vulnerable to abuse, discrimination and exploitation), to the families(especially the children) they have left behind and to their local communities.

6) To assist in the productive and seamless re-integration of returning overseas Filipinos and their familiesin the country, recommending policies, programs and measures to transform brain drain to brain gain,to enhance the returnees’ earning capabilities and for better incentives’ package for overseas Filipinosto return, retire and invest.

D. Culture and Education

7) To ensure that Filipinos overseas remain rooted in their Filipino culture by developing, implementing,promoting and coordinating with other institutions, global awareness and appreciation of Filipinolanguage, culture and heritage.

E. Institutional development and organizational strengthening

8) To promote the leading role of CFO on the formulation of policies and in addressing key issues onmigration and development

9) To improve and enhance CFO’s institutional capabilities for lobbying and advocacy for policy-setting,formulation and reform; in coordinating and building consensus with all migration-related governmentagencies on issues/policies/programs of major concern and critical to overseas Filipinos; and mobilizingstakeholders in the migration and development sector, especially for regular multi-stakeholderconsultations and collaboration.

10) To provide accurate, timely and comprehensive data on international migration of Filipinos throughlinkages with government agencies and other stakeholders essential for policy formulation andprotection of overseas Filipinos.

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The CFO Board of Commissioners is headed by a Chairperson with cabinet rank, and representatives of thefollowing departments:

· Department of Foreign Affairs (as Vice-Chair)· Department of Trade and Industry· Department of Labor and Employment· Department of Education· Department of Justice· Department of Tourism· Presidential Communications Operations Office· National Commission for Culture and the Arts· CFO Executive Director

The CFO is supported by a Secretariat headed by an Executive Director. It consists of five (5) offices:

· Migrant Integration and Education Division (MIED)· Project Management Division (PMD)· Policy, Planning and Research Division (PPRD)· Management Information System Division (MISD)· Administrative and Finance Division (AFD)

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos OverseasThe Commission on Filipinos Overseas

COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASCitigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue

corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway)Manila, Philippines 1007Tel. Nos. (02) 561-8321Fax No. (02) 561-8332

Email: info@cfo.gov.phWebsite: www.cfo.gov.ph

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2010 Presidential Awards Secretariat2010 Presidential Awards Secretariat2010 Presidential Awards Secretariat2010 Presidential Awards Secretariat2010 Presidential Awards Secretariat

Secretary Imelda M. NicolasChairperson

Mary Grace A. TironaActing Executive Director

Atty. Golda Myra R. RomaDivision Chief, Policy, Planning and Research Division

MEMBERS

Ian Vergel B. AgsaldaRodrigo V. Garcia, Jr.

Edwin C. PajaresJanet B. Ramos

Frencel Louie T. TinggaRosario Q. Tuano

OTHER MEMBERS

Troy D. AgcanasNikki A. Almerino

Marita D. ApattadMichael A. ApattadRouen D. Bosquillos

Joel I. ComboAriel T. Cruz

Christian Harold G. CruzWarner A. Dawal

Marissa Del RosarioElmer T. Diaz

Jeremias R. De GuzmanTristan E. De Guzman

John Delter V. DimapilisAllan Paul N. Ducusin

Evelyn C. DurimanMerlin Espeso

Mario T. FranciscoJayson S. Gregorio

Gregorio M. Jabal, Jr.Rowena V. Jubinal

Ivy D. MiravallesVincent Nato

Evangeline C. NepomucenoLeonardo J. Pizarro

Ruby RamoresFroilan A. Romero

Arnel E. SualManolo V. Tibe

Phillip TingEumarlo M. Tolosa

Jose Edison C. TondaresCherry Joy G. Veniles

Angie D. Zantua

Minda I. Cabilao-ValenciaDirector

Projects Management Division

Lucille A. RondaOfficer-in-Charge

Administrative and Finance Division

Ma. Regina Angela G. GaliasDirector

Migrant Integration and Education Division

Engr. Romeo R. RosasOfficer-in-Charge

Management Information System Division

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A Partnership for Remittances and Development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Economic and DevelopmentAuthority (NEDA) has partnered with Western Union (WU), the global leader in money transfer services, for theProject: OFW/Diaspora Remittances for Development: Building a Future Back Home (RED). Western Unionsupports similar projects in other developing countries.

OFW/Diaspora Remittances for Development (RED): Building a Future Back Home

In 2009 overseas remittances to the Philippines reached a record high of US$ 17.3 billion. This projectwill harness the potential of overseas remittances for poverty reduction and consequently, local economicdevelopment. In the long-run, collective remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and diasporacommunities could become a powerful source of investment for development.

Objectives

1. Develop mechanisms to engage OFW/diaspora communities effectively as transnational actors of localdevelopment and services delivery by:

• Designing and piloting a model to create forward and backward linkages for product development,value chains and improved market access for service delivery

• Identifying capacity diagnostics and policy and institutional options for leveraging remittances topromote entrepreneurship

2. Support policies to tap the potential of overseas remittances for savings and investments, entrepreneurshipand employment creation that will contribute to development; government policies will be analyzed andgaps and incentives that support collective remittances for development will be identified

Working Framework

1. Incentivization through policy institutionalization2. Awareness building to communicate individual and collective benefits3. Collaborative capacity building to achieve optimal project stewardship4. Fund matching to encourage multiplier effect5. Project leadership encompassing inception, implementation and evaluation

Office of the President of the PhilippinesCommission on Filipinos OverseasCommission on Filipinos OverseasCommission on Filipinos OverseasCommission on Filipinos OverseasCommission on Filipinos Overseas

2010