The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Thursday detailed the selection process behind the Bagong Bayani Awards, one of the country’s most distinguished recognitions honoring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for excellence, heroism, and exemplary service abroad.

In DAILY TRIBUNE’s digital show USAPANG OFW, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan explained that this year’s ceremony — held at Malacañang Palace — continues a tradition that began in 1983 under former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The Bagong Bayani Awards were last held in Malacañang during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III.

New category launched

For the first time, the Board introduced the “Susan V. Ople Award,” created in honor of the late Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.

“For this year, the winner is a caregiver from Israel who saved the person under her care during the October 7, 2023 attack. It was a Houthi attack at that time,” Caunan said.

A total of seven award categories were presented this year, including a collective citation for the 18-member crew of MV-MSC Aube F. led by Captain Rolly Tenorio.

Selection process

Caunan underscored that the screening of Bagong Bayani awardees is transparent and multi-staged, beginning with public nominations that typically open from late May to June 30.

Nominations undergo documentation checks, verification, and assessment by the DMW, OWWA, and partner agencies, before being forwarded to the Board of Trustees of the Bagong Bayani Foundation, which makes the final decision.

Awardees receive:

• A national recognition and trophy

• Their names engraved on the Wall of Honor at the DMW Office

• A cash incentive approved by the Board

Caunan also highlighted that beyond the awards, The government continues to provide assistance to awardees and families affected by crises abroad.