2025 Bagong Bayani Awards (Speech) 11/20/2025

Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 20, 2025

Praising the excellence, diligence and sacrifice of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the nation’s modern-day heroes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the recipients of the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards in a ceremonial program at Malacañan Palace on November 20, 2025.

“Kinikilala ng Bagong Bayani Awards ang kakayahan, karangalan, at kabutihang loob ng mga Pilipino na sa kabila ng pang-i-ibang bansa, ay nagagawang maipakita ang tunay na pagka-Pilipino. Naitaguyod [nila ang kanilang] mga pamilya, at komunidad nang walang pag-aalinlangan. Ito ang diwang nais makamit ng aking ama, ang dating Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., nang itatag niya ang Bagong Bayani Awards sa pamamagitan ng Letter of Instruction No. 1320 noong 1983,” the President stated.

He recalled many instances during his overseas visits when he was told that Filipinos are hardworking and excel at what they do. He expressed his deep appreciation to the OFWs for bringing such honor to the country and acknowledged the difficulties, sacrifices and challenges of living abroad, away from their families.

The Chief Executive mentioned several programs being implemented by national government agencies to enhance protection, simplify services and recognize every OFW as a hero.

“Ginagawa na nating digital ang ilang proseso ng pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa tulad ng OFW Travel Pass sa eGovPH App at ang Online Employment Contract Verification System. Ang Overseas [Workers] Welfare Administration naman ay nakakapag-isyu ng mahigit-kumulang na tatlong daang libong electronic card na magbibigay sa mga migrant workers ng mas madaling access sa mga serbisyo ng ating gobyerno. Pinahahalagahan din natin ang inyong kalusugan sa pamamagitan ng OFW Hospital, ang OWWA Botika, at pinalakas na na mga programang medikal para sa ating mga OFW,” he continued.

“Sa AKSYON Fund, ang mga OFW na nasa kagipitan ay may maaasahang tulong na legal, medikal, pinansyal, at iba pa mula sa DMW Migrant Workers Offices at Regional Offices. Bukod pa rito, may OFW Lounge na sa ating NAIA para sa inyong komportableng paghihintay ng inyong flight,” President Marcos Jr. added.

This year’s Bagong Bayani awardees are the following:

Outstanding Employee Award: Engineer Romaline Dizon Isla
Community and Social Service Award: Eva Rasgo Mapa
Culture and the Arts Award: Michael Palic Conjusta
Heroic Act Award: Captain Rolly Lapinig and the 18 Filipino Crew of MV MSC Aube F
Successful Reintegration Award: Captain Gaudencio Morales, Alexander Inday Sebastian, Elaine Vianca Figueroa and Ruellyn Sarmiento Ribon
Susan V. Ople Award: Camille Jesalva
Captain Gregorio S. Oca Achievement Award: Captain Gaudencio Capistrano Morales

This year marked the 21st edition of the Bagong Bayani Awards led by the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). It carried the theme ‘Ang Bagong Bayani: Inspirasyon at Pag-asa ng Pilipinas.’


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