PRESS FEATURE
CFO to honor 18 media works, advocates for shaping Filipino migration narratives
This article was originally published in the Philippine Information Agency Press Release.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) announced the winners of the 2025 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards, honoring 18 outstanding media works and champions from 17 countries for their efforts in raising public awareness and chronicling the stories of the Filipino diaspora.
The annual awards recognize the significant role of journalists, filmmakers, authors and content creators in shaping public perception and highlighting the often-poignant and inspiring journeys of overseas Filipinos. The winners will be formally recognized by the CFO, led by Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, in a special ceremony on Dec. 11, 2025, in Metro Manila, timed with the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos.
The CFO, established under the Office of the President, is mandated to protect and strengthen the ties between the nation and its global diaspora, which includes over 12 million Filipinos living and working overseas.
“These awards celebrate the crucial role of those involved in the mainstream, traditional or emerging media in shaping migration narratives and public perception, and for highlighting the colorful stories of our overseas Filipinos who are present in the four corners of the world,” Secretary Ang said.
The MAM Awards, now in its ninth year, were conceived by the CFO in 2011. Since its inception, a total of 99 winners from 20 countries have been conferred with the recognition.
Prominent Awardees
This year’s winners were selected from 95 entries. The panel of judges was chaired by Secretary Ang, with officials and representatives from the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, Philippine Migration Research Network, Presidential Communications Office, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Key winners for the 2025 MAM Awards include:
Books and Publications
- Best Book – Fiction: “The Mimosa Crown” by Leila Rispens-Noel (Philippines)
- Best Book – Non-Fiction Anthology: “Diaspora Journey: Philippine Migration and Diaspora Narratives” by Lorna Lardizabal Dietz, Leila Rispens-Noel, Cindy Wong, and Maya Butalid (Philippines)
- Best Book – Non-Fiction Essay: “Ausländer: Mga Danas sa Alemanya” by Al Joseph Lumen (Germany)
- Best Newspaper: “The Philippine Times – Australia” Alice Nicolas, Publisher (Australia)
- Best Book – Guide: “The In-Country Orientation and Navigation (ICON) Kit” by the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona (Spain)
Television, Film, and Radio
- Best Episodic TV Magazine Show: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho for its segment, “Hello, Love, Dubai!” Jessica Soho, Host (Philippines)
- Best Episodic TV Drama Anthology: Maalaala Mo Kaya for its “Trafficked Story (Sim Card and Bintana)” episode, Charo Santos-Concio, Host (Philippines)
- Best TV Special Report: “Pagbangon: Iba’t Ibang Mukha ng Pagpapatuloy” by Rhea Santos, Arvin Joaquin, and Paul Saraza (Canada)
- Best Documentary: “Home of the Brave” Baby Ruth Villarama, Director (Philippines)
- Best Documentary: “Nurse Unseen” Michele Josue, Director (USA)
- Best Regular Radio Program: “Immigration Law on Your Side” Atty. Flomy Javier Diza and Johann Sayson, Hosts (USA)
- Best Podcast: “Stronger Together: GMA Pinoy TV Podcast” Toni Pua, Host (Philippines)
Digital
- Best Website: “Kababayan Multicultural Centre” Kathleen Mae Clarete, Web Design and Digital Marketing Specialist (Canada)
- Best Vlog: “One Down” by Leo Albea (USA)
- Best Advertisement: “BPI: Mas Magandang Bukas, Saan Man Sa Mundo” by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and Harrison Communications Inc. (Philippines)
Advocacy
- Best Media Advocate: Marieton Pacheco (Canada)
- Special Citation – Best Youth Advocate: Emilio Baja (Philippines)
About the Commission on Filipinos Overseas
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Filipinos permanently residing abroad. It is distinct from the Department of Migrant Workers, which primarily addresses the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and other temporary migrants.
The CFO, which is an agency under the Office of the President, works to strengthen the social, economic, and cultural ties of global Filipinos with their home country. Its primary stakeholders include Filipino permanent migrants, dual citizens, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, individuals under the Exchange Visitor Program, au pair participants bound for Europe, and Filipino descendants overseas.
For more information, please contact Atty. Jan Karlo Magracia of the Office of the Secretary at jkmagracia@cfo.gov.ph.