Nominations are now open for the 2025 Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU)! This prestigious honor recognizes Filipinos who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.
The announcement was made during a press launch on January 21 at the historic Kamuning Bakery Café, established 86 years ago and owned by Wilson Lee Flores. The event featured prominent speakers, including APCU Chairman Atty. Raul Lambino, APCU President Sixto Benedicto, former Deputy National Security Adviser Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, Philippine Association for Chinese Studies President Dr. Lucio Pitlo III, and Pangasinan Civic Leader George Cham.
About APPCU
The Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) was launched in 2021 as a joint effort between the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines.
APPCU aims to honor those who have contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and China, as well as between the two nations, to encourage further support for and promotion of Philippines-China relations.
APPCU is an annual event, with a number of APPCU Laureates selected each year. The award also commemorates “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day” and the formal establishment of diplomatic ties between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on June 9, 1975.
The APPCU was created as a joint initiative between the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines. It is a unique award designed to honor Filipinos who have made significant contributions to fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the friendship between the two peoples and countries. It also encourages others to promote greater understanding and friendship between the Philippines and China.
APPCU was launched on January 16, 2021, with the participation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who jointly attended the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations via video link. The APPCU was created with the aim of continuing efforts to promote friendship between China and the Philippines and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, as such relationships are vital to fostering strong state-to-state relations.
Eligible candidates for the award are Filipino citizens who have dedicated themselves to advancing Philippines-China bilateral relations through their fields of expertise and disciplines.
APPCU has three (3) award categories:
The Hall of Fame Category: This category recognizes individuals of great prestige whose extensive contributions over time have had a significant and lasting impact, as evidenced by the wide reach, impact, and recognition of their work by various communities and societies.
The Outstanding Contributions Category: This category acknowledges individuals who, while perhaps less prominent, have made notable contributions to promoting and strengthening Philippines-China bilateral relations, cooperation, friendship, and understanding.
The Major Contributions Category: This category honors individuals whose work has had a growing impact on specific groups or communities at the grassroots level.
All APPCU nominees undergo a three-round selection process, including:
- The Preliminary Round (Elimination Round)
- The Second Round of Judging
- The Final Round of Judging
Each round is judged by a panel of three.
In Conclusion:
The APPCU seeks to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact and contributed significant effort over time to the improvement and advancement of Philippines-China bilateral relations and understanding. The award promotes the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
The winners of the APPCU will receive a trophy or plaque of recognition, along with a certificate. Additionally, prize money will be awarded to each Laureate. The APPCU awardees will be formally recognized at a ceremony to be held on June 3, 2025.
The Call for Nominations is open from February 26 to March 25, 2025. For more information on the nomination process and guidelines, please visit www.apcu.org.ph/appcu.
For inquiries, contact the APPCU Secretariat at appcu@apcu.org.ph or call +639278959126.
TATAK MNL 
Leave a comment