The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) conferred the Presidential Commendation Award upon Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II during the Gala Night of its 47th National Convention.
Receiving the award on Ang’s behalf were distinguished Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) honorees: Lolita B. Compas, Banaag Awardee (2002); Victoria Navarro, Banaag Awardee (2014); and Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, recipient of the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award (2024).
“I accept the distinction of being named an Honorary Member of PNAA as a personal recognition, and as a symbol of the partnership between your organization and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. For that, thank you, from all of us at the CFO,” Ang said in his video message. “The Commission on Filipinos Overseas stands ready to work with PNAA on professional exchanges, ethical recruitment dialogue, research initiatives, and youth mentorship.”
The recognition highlights Ang’s ongoing work to champion the core mandate of the CFO—driving diaspora engagement for national development. Under his leadership, the Commission has expanded its focus from traditional pre-departure services to forging lifelong partnerships with Non-Resident Filipinos (NRFs), who comprise roughly 60 percent of the country’s 10.8 million overseas Filipinos worldwide.
Ang has consistently emphasized that NRFs are active co-creators of progress rather than mere sources of economic remittances. Through structured political, economic, and cultural initiatives, such as the LINKAPIL program, the BaLinkBayan portal, and youth development efforts like YouLeaD, his administration successfully harnesses global Filipino expertise, innovation, and philanthropy to support the nation’s growth.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Ang as Chairperson of the CFO, with the cabinet rank of Secretary, in October 2024. Since then, he has focused on advancing the President’s policy of making migration a choice rather than a necessity.
The PNAA, one of the largest networks of Filipino professionals abroad, reflects the values of service and excellence that Ang actively promotes. The Presidential Commendation Award serves as an affirmation of his vision to build a globally connected Filipino community whose success abroad translates directly into domestic progress and nation-building.
“Your contributions to the Philippines remain significant. Through remittances, philanthropy, knowledge transfer, medical missions, and institutional partnerships, you demonstrate concrete diaspora engagement for national development. Many among you support scholarships, donate equipment, and mentor young nurses who aspire to follow your path,” Ang added.
The CFO’s mandate is to link NRFs to the Philippines politically, economically, and culturally.
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