All over the world, Filipinos are known for their talents, skills, diligence, and positive attitude. In fact, many Pinoys have received awards for their contributions in various fields and professions.
This year, the search is on for outstanding and exemplary overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is calling for nominations to the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA).
What is Bagong Bayani Awards?
The Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA) is a worldwide search for outstanding and exemplary overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It is a “biennial” search, held every other year or every two years.
The BBA is conducted by the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI), in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the private sector. Notably, the BBFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization that was created to recognize OFWs as “mga bagong bayani” (new heroes) of our generation.
Since 1989, the BBFI has recognized more than 1,700 outstanding OFWs who have brought pride and honor to the Philippines.
Bagong Bayani Award Categories
The BBA features several award categories, as follows:
- Bagong Bayani Award for Outstanding Employee;
- Bagong Bayani Award for Community and Social Service;
- Bagong Bayani Award for Culture and the Arts;
- Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Integration;
- Bagong Bayani Award for Heroic Act;
- Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award; and
- Blas F. Ople Award Para sa “Natatanging Bagong Bayani.”
Among the above, two are newly-added categories: the Successful Integration Award, which is given to a former OFW who has successfully developed and implemented various reintegration initiatives; and the Heroic Act Award, which is given to individuals or groups who embody the spirit of heroism.
Notably, nominees for the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration must have stayed and settled in the Philippines for more than five (5) years after their last overseas employment or engagement.
Meanwhile, here is a brief description of the other awards:
- Bagong Bayani Award for Outstanding Employee. This award recognizes employees for their outstanding performance of work duties and responsibilities, which have contributed to the growth or well-being of their company.
- Bagong Bayani Award for Community and Social Service. This award is given to OFWs who have selflessly offered their time, skills, and/or resources to community services or activities that are beneficial to people, whether in the Philippines or abroad.
- Bagong Bayani Award for Culture and the Arts. This award is given to Filipinos who have excelled in their work as artists abroad, thus earning recognition or honor for Filipino artistry.
- Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award. This award honors the remarkable excellence of individuals and institutions in the sea-based industry. For this award, any individual, whether or not an active OFW, or a reputable and duly registered entity, may be nominated.
- Blas F. Ople Award Para sa “Natatanging Bagong Bayani.” This is considered as “the highest honor,” given to an awardee who has surpassed primary category expectations and has garnered more than one award.
Qualifications for Nominees
Nominees for the BBA, including land-based and sea-based OFWs, should have the following qualifications, according to a post by the Bagong Bayani Awards – BBFI Facebook page:
- Must be morally upright and of good moral standing;
- No part or present criminal or derogatory record;
- Has received recognition from past or present employer(s) for outstanding service or exemplary behavior;
- Must not have left the country irregularly or as a tourist; and
- Job contract must have been processed by the DMW or POEA.
Who Can Nominate?
Nominations to the BBA may be submitted by the OFW’s:
- Employer;
- Deploying recruitment or manning agency;
- Co-worker(s);
- Industry association(s);
- Civil society organization(s); or
- Other reputable individuals or institutions.
Requirements for Nomination
To nominate an OFW, the following requirements must be submitted:
- Duly accomplished official nomination form;
- Endorsement letter signed by the nominee’s ambassador, labor attaché, or employer;
- Scanned colored copy of nominee’s passport;
- Work visa, alien registration card, work permit, or other pertinent legal documentation proving current migration status;
- Immigration entry/exit stamps;
- No derogatory record certificate/police clearance from the nominee’s worksite, if any;
- Profile of nominee’s accomplishments, heroic acts;
- Photocopy of awards or citations or publication headlines containing nominee’s accomplishments, heroic acts;
- 4 (2×2) colored photos of nominee; and
- Copy of the latest DMW/MWO/POEA approved employment contract or guarantee letter for sea-based nominees.
NOTE: For nominees of the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Integration, proof of compliance with business regulatory requirements (for businesses) and/or certificate of employment (for local employment) is required.
How to Nominate Bagong Bayani Awards
To nominate an OFW, employers, manning agencies, co-workers, industry associations, and civil society organizations are encouraged to read the executive briefer and the official nomination form, which may be downloaded through this link.
Nomination forms and supporting documents must be submitted to the BBFI Office in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. The deadline for submission of nominations is on June 30, 2025 (Monday). Meanwhile, the awarding ceremony is scheduled on November 21, 2025 (Friday).
Video: Search for Bagong Bayani 2025
For more information about the awards and how to nominate an OFW, watch this video shared by the Bagong Bayani Awards – BBFI Facebook page:
Contact Information: Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc.
To learn more about the awards, you can get in touch with the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) through the following contact details:
Address: 3rd Floor, Blas F. Ople Bldg., Ortigas Ave. corner Epifanio de los Santos Ave., Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Telephone: (632) 8705 1464
Email: bagong_bayani_awards@yahoo.com / bagong.bayani.inc@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagongbayaniawards
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
Every other year, the Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA) is held to recognize the outstanding achievements of OFWs in various fields and endeavors. We look forward to this year’s nominees and awardees, as the BBA pays tribute to their hard work and contributions — not only to their families, but to the whole country!
Speaking of awards, it’s not only Filipino workers who are gaining recognition around the world, but also Pinoy cuisine! Check out this article about a Filipino food stall that bagged a major award in Sweden a few years back!