Since 1991, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has spearheaded the biennial Gawad ng Pangulo Awards. It was institutionalized under E.O.498 issued by former President Corazon C. Aquino to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and foreign individuals who have selflessly supported relief, rehabilitation and development programs in the home country. The roster of awardees now includes some 367 overseas Filipino individuals, organizations and their foreign partners, who have been a source of pride and have significantly contributed to the betterment of Filipino communities here and abroad.

The Presidential Awards highlight the time-honored Filipino values of PAKIPAGKAPWA, PAGTUTULUNGAN and PAGKAKAISA.

The four (4) award categories:

1. LINGKOD SA KAPWA PILIPINO (LINKAPIL) AWARD- This award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines.

2.    KAANIB NG BAYAN AWARD- This award is conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

3.    BANAAG AWARD- This award is conferred on Filipino individuals or associations for their significant contribution to advance the cause or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities.