Los Angeles, 9 January 2012 - The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) recently announced the launching of the 2012 Presidential Awards also known as the Gawad ng Pangulo Awards.  Established by virtue of an Executive Order signed in 1991 by former President Corazon C. Aquino, the Presidential Awards is a biennial search to recognize exceptional individuals and organizations, who by their exceptional achievements or humanitarian efforts, have given form and substance to Filipino excellence and the time-honored Filipino values of 'pakikipagkapwa' (camaraderie), 'pagtutulungan' (cooperation) and 'pagkakaisa' (unity). The awards have so far been conferred to 338 overseas-based Filipinos and private organizations.

The four (4) award categories are:

• Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino or the Linkapil Award - for overseas Filipino associations or individuals with exceptional or significant contributions to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development.

• Banaag Award – for overseas Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions in advancing the cause of and/or has significantly benefited overseas Filipino communities or sectors.

• Kaanib Award – for foreign individuals or organizations that also have exceptional or significant contributions to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, and have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Pamana ng Pilipino Award - for overseas Filipinos who have demonstrated the talent and industry of the Filipino and brought honor and recognition to the country through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Interested parties within the Consulate’s Area of Jurisdiction, namely, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico are invited to submit the duly completed nomination form together with supporting documents  to the Philippine Consulate General at 3600 Wilshire Boulevard Ste 500, Los Angeles, CA 90010 not later than 16  April 2012 at five o’clock in the afternoon.

The rules on the filing of nomination, nomination forms and other information are available at  www.2012presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph.

The Awards Ceremonies will be held in December 2012 at the Malacañan Palace, Manila.