WASHINGTON D.C., February 3, 2022 – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) proudly announces that three of our own organizational leaders are recipients of the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will present these awards to 56 distinguished overseas Filipinos and organizations. Our NaFFAA leaders who are receiving these prestigious awards are Laura Garcia (Regional Vice Chair, Northeast Region), Aurora Belmonte (National Board of Trustees Member), and Jannelle So Perkins (Director of Strategic Partnerships).

The PAFIOO is a biennial search for overseas-based organizations or individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of Filipinos in the Philippines or abroad; selflessly supported relief, rehabilitation, and development programs in the home country; or excelled in their field of work or profession. Nominees from 31 different countries are endorsed by 39 Philippine Foreign Service Posts across Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia. Candidates are thoroughly screened through a four-stage evaluation process, after which the Office of the President of the Philippines makes the final selection of awardees.

Laura Garcia is awarded “The Pamana ng Pilipino Award,” a special award conferred on Filipinos overseas, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. Aurora Belmonte and Jannelle So Perkins will both receive “The Banaag Award” for their continued contributions that have significantly benefited a sector or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

NAFFAA’s National Chairman Brendan Flores commented, “We congratulate Laura, Amie (Aurora), and Janelle for being recipients of the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. They deserve these accolades and recognitions for their efforts in making a positive impact in our Filipino-American community. I am beyond blessed to work with these three outstanding women as fellow NAFFAA leaders. I hope that this inspires our four million-strong Filipinos in the United States to dream big, excel at the highest level, and continue to make more history for our community.”

About NaFFAA 

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.