The ONE International Humanitarian Award: Search for the Unsung Hero

Manila, Philippines ‒ Everyday we hear news about human trafficking, violence, starvation, illnesses, homeless and many others that are heart-breaking, especially when youngsters are involved. I am so grateful to the people that I see and hear about their good deeds, dedication and courage. It is not that easy to get involved and I salute those people who dedicated their time, love and effort in helping others. 

The ONE Philippines Humanitarian Award (TOP), an auxiliary project of THE ONE International Humanitarian Award, launched its searched for unsung heroes in the Philippines, that we may not know or anonymous, but are so devoted in helping others without expecting any return.

TOP aspires to further their good work in recognizing these unsung heroes with a monetary reward and also encouraging the spirits and morale of Philippine residents to serve and to encourage more selfless good work, which is in line with the Rotary motto of "Service above Self". 

It was conceptualized and founded by David Harilela, successful businessman and a past district governor of Rotary in Hong Kong. His inspiration is his dad who has done good deeds to thousands of people. He told his dad that when he start earning he will also help others – he got this vision to help change people's lives. The ONE has been recognizing and awarding these heroes since 2012. 

Cecilia Oebanda-Flores, one of the first finalists, was recognized for providing shelter for human trafficking victims in the Philippines. She finds courage from the girls she saved ‒ their hope and faith. 

The nomination period will begin in August 2017 and end in January 2018. The Gala Awards Night is scheduled in May or June 2018, the special evening dedicated to amazing men and women one of whom will be the first TOP. 

The winner of the first TOP will receive Php 1,500,000.00 and a trophy. He or she will also automatically represent the Philippines in THE ONE International Awards and get a chance to win again.

Two runners-up will also be chosen and each will receive Php 500,000.00. The award money must be used to further the winners' humanitarian cause and service projects. 

TOP will donate, in the name of the nominator who nominates the winner, Php 150,000.00 to a Philippine Government-approved charitable organization or a Rotary club in the Philippines designated by this nominator.

CRITERIA

• Candidates must have provided outstanding and remarkable service to the community.
• Candidates must have worked for their cause for a minimum of five years in the Philippines.
• Candidates must have demonstrated daily dedication and continued devotion to humanitarian efforts; and
• Candidates must have promoted integrity and advanced understanding, goodwill and humanity in society through their humanitarian efforts.

ELIGIBILITY

• Candidates must be a Philippine resident aged 18 or above. There is no limitation as to gender or race.
• Candidates cannot be **Rotarians, employees of a club, district or other Rotary entity or of Rotary International. Spouses, lineal descendants, and ancestors of persons in the foregoing categories are also ineligible.

** This rule also applies for any Ex-Rotarian who has left Rotary for less than three years.

• The award will not be presented posthumously. 
• Any candidate previously awarded a cash prize by THE ONE organizing committee will not be eligible to apply again; all others are welcome to apply more than once. 

NOMINATION PROCESS

All applications should include:

• A completed Nomination Form
• Resume of the candidate
• A completed Humanity Service Description Form
• A digital or print photograph of the candidate (> 1MB)

For more details, please contact:

CHIT L. LIJAUCO

chitlij@yahoo.com
+63 917 886 6118

MARILEN LAGNITON
mtlagniton@gmail.com
+63 917 895 9472

or visit:
www.theonerotary3450.org