Philippines – IOM has received a presidential award from the Philippines government in recognition of its work supporting the government and people.

The award, which was presented to IOM Director General William Lacy Swing earlier this week by Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, was first announced by President Benigno Aquino, just before he stepped down at the end of June 2016.

In the Presidential Citation, IOM is commended for its “outstanding contributions and initiatives in the field of migration; for its commendable assistance in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipino migrants, including emergency repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in crisis-stricken countries; for its meritorious efforts and support to the Typhoon Haiyan emergency response and rehabilitation efforts.”

The citation also commends IOM for being instrumental in developing partnerships in the Philippines to help raise awareness on the scourge of trafficking in persons and illegal and unethical recruitment practices, and for its phenomenal growth from a small organization to a 162-member (now 165 since the citation) state international organization dedicated to migration management.

IOM established its office in the Philippines in 1975 and in 1988 the country became an IOM member state. Currently Manila hosts IOM’s Global Administrative Centre. 

The recognition comes as IOM prepares to mark its 65th anniversary later this year. Member states have also just endorsed the organization’s decision to join the United Nations later this year.

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For further information, please contact Chris Lom at IOM’s Manila Global Administrative Centre, Email: clom@iom.int, Tel. +63.917 890 8785.