The Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA), an annual search for outstanding overseas contract workers since 1984 under the auspices of the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI).  In coordination with POEA, has to date given due recognition and incentives to some thirty one (31) OCWs and seafarers for their notable achievements and adherence to the Code of Discipline for Filipino OCWs.

So that more OCWs with exemplary accomplishments and sterling records of performance and discipline would have equal chances of gaining recognition under this Bagong Bayani Awards program, all agencies and entities are hereby enjoined to include in their PDOS syllabus a brief discussion of the basic information on the BBA to help expand the scope and reach of the project.

Attached (see below) for this purpose is an outline-module which can be used by PDOS trainors as reference in presenting the objectives and mechanics of the BBA to increase the awareness of OCWs and their kins on the significance and benefits of projecting good image and positive traits of the Filipino as an international worker and an Ambassador of Goodwill in his own right.

For information and compliance.

Adopted: 20 Apr. 1992




What is the Bagong Bayani Foundation ?

The Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization conceived to uphold the new heroes of our time, the overseas workers. It works hand in hand with POEA in paying tribute to the Filipino overseas through the Bagong Bayani Awards.

What are its Objective ?

To promote the recognition and appreciation of the role of the Filipino overseas worker in Philippine Society/economy;

To foster high standards of responsibility, efficiency and integrity among Filipino workers;

To determine the criteria and procedure or the selection of outstanding Filipino worker; and

To solicit donations/contributions from the public and private sectors to finance the activities of the Foundation.

The BBFI institutionalizes private sector participation in its Bagong Bayani project in line with the government's thrust for close coordination with the active participation in the overseas employment industry.

What is the Bagong Bayani Awards ?

The Bagong Bayani Awards is an annual search for the country's outstanding overseas workers. Initially launched by the POEA in 1984, the project is now under the sponsorship of the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc.

The Bagong Bayani Awards is conceived to give due recognition to the Filipino workers for his outstanding contribution both as a paradigm of national skills and talents and as ambassador of goodwill as a whole.  The term "Bagong Bayani" which literally means the "new hero" was coined project as new form of heroism the growing significance of the role of the overseas contract worker as a contributor to the country's foreign exchange earnings through his remittance and by being less of a burden to society by being employed.

Given the fact that this undertaking caters to the Filipino overseas contract worker, the search will cover both land-based workers and seamen who are aboard foreign ocean-going vessel.

Who may be nominated ?

Any overseas contract worker (land-based or seamen), past or current, provided that the act for which he is being nominated was achieved by him while an overseas worker.

Who may Nominate ?

Anyone (co-worker, relative, employee, manning/placement agent industry association, Philippine Embassy/Consulates, etc.) except DOLE/POEA employees.

What are the Criteria ?

The candidate shall be nominated for an outstanding contribution made or accomplished while an overseas worker.

Outstanding contribution in this sense is loosely defined as any accomplishment, feat, exploit, deed or act of heroism of the worker which have contributed considerably to either:


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