Fernando received the award from President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañan Palace, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news release said.
The Presidential Awards is a biennial event presided over by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). It recognizes Filipinos and foreigners alike who have contributed greatly to the Filipino community.
An expert in sleep medicine, Fernando is part of the 29 awardees handpicked by the CFO from the 137 nominations it received from over 26 countries.
“All of them represent the best of the Filipino diaspora, and together, their synergies would be incredibly powerful! Just like the Justice League!” said CFO Secretary Imelda Nicolas who likened Fernando and the other awardees to the popular superhero group.
The Pamana ng Pilipino award symbolizes the resolve of Filipinos residing overseas in their pursuit of excellence shown through their contributions in their chosen field.
The president congratulated Fernando citing that his being an overseas Filipino didn't reduce his nationalistic passion.
“Whether homegrown or raised abroad, the people in our presence today have become the ambassadors of the skill and creativity of the Filipino,” said Aquino, adding that “Humanity is not defined by what we have built alone, but rather, by what we have achieved in solidarity with our fellowmen.”
He urged the public to work together to uplift the banner of Philippine pride whether locally or overseas through bayanihan.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez also relayed her congratulations to Fernando whom she referred to as “a source of pride and inspiration for all Filipinos in New Zealand.”
“In his quiet and humble ways, Dr. Fernando is an epitome of a dedicated and hardworking professional always ready and willing to help make a positive difference in people’s lives and support projects for the benefit of the Filipinos here and back home in the Philippines and the local communities,” she said.
There are 35,175 Filipinos in New Zealand based on the 2011 Stock Estimate of the CFO. - VVP, GMA News
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