President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and organizations that have excelled in their respective fields and contributed to the progress of their host nations and the Philippines during the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

Marcos lauded 13 individuals and organizations under four categories: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, Banaag awardees and Kaanib ng Bayan.

He noted that world leaders spoke highly of Filipinos in his foreign trips.

“The Filipino’s competence, our work ethic, and genuine care for other people make us a truly remarkable race,” he said.

“We are truly proud to be Filipino and to be recognized for our contributions not only to our own country but to humanity,” he added.

Two Filipinos and two organizations received the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino awards: Leo-Felix Jurado of Lasam, Cagayan and the United States, and Emilio Quines Jr. who hails from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur and also resides in the US; the Philippine Nurses Association of New York and The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation Inc., USA.

Pamana ng Pilipino awardees included Larry Caramba from Victorias City, Negros Occidental who is in Saudi Arabia; Jane Gerardo-Abaya from Kalibo, Aklan, now in Austria; Roberto Eusebio Lavides from Gumaca, Quezon, living in Canada; Melvin Sanicas from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, living in Switzerland.

Three individuals were presented with the Banaag Award: Elvy Barroso from Ligao City, Albay; Zita Cabais of Bani, Pangasinan; and Elvira de la Cruz from Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, who currently reside in the US, France and Morocco, respectively.

Two foreign nationals were recognized for being a Kaanib ng Bayan: Bader Ahmed Al Zafeen of the United Arab Emirates, and Victor Gaina from Moldova.

Marcos highlighted that the awardees had “triumphed and excelled” in their endeavors despite the challenges and sacrifices of being away from home.

“Your stories continue to inspire us to make a difference and to rise above whatever adversity we face. Thank you for your heroism and your abilities which brought honor to our country, our countrymen, and the Republic of the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive said the administration is currently reviewing reforms in governance and economic development, along with their implementation.

“Our dream is to one day make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity,” Marcos said.

He emphasized, however, that in a globalized world, talents will continue to move across borders. He reiterated his commitment to safeguard the rights and well-being of OFWs and their families at all times.

Additionally, the Philippines is strengthening labor agreements with other countries and actively combating illegal recruitment and trafficking. The government has also mobilized the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers na Nangangailangan Fund, which provides legal, medical, financial and repatriation assistance to migrant Filipino workers in need.