CHICAGO 08 January 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago proudly congratulates Paul Balan and Edward Brotonel, who were conferred the “Pamana ng Pilipino” Award at the 2018 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) held in Malacañan Palace on 05 December 2018.
Conferred by President Rodrigo Duterte, the biennial awards recognized 25 outstanding Filipino individuals and organizations and six Model Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family of the Year awardees.
A painter and sculptor from Laguna, Mr. Balan is a coinage and medal designer who earned the distinction of being the first Filipino and first Asian whose designs have been selected for commemorative coins and congressional medals of the United States.
An accountant by profession, Mr. Brotonel served as a special agent in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. He received recognitions for uncovering major theft, fraud and felony crimes during the post-9/11 Iraq reconstruction.
Among the four categories of PAFIOO, the “Pamana ng Pilipino” Award is granted to Filipinos overseas who exemplify the talent and industry of the Filipino, and have gained honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the practice of their profession.
A total of 96 nominees from 28 countries were considered and through a multi-stage selection process.
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For more information, visit www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph; www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago.
