BPI seeks outstanding children of overseas Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is searching for outstanding children of overseas Filipinos (OF) to join the 2011 Search for the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children.

On its fifth year, the Search for Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy children coincides with the 160th anniversary celebration of BPI.

The grand search will award children of overseas Filipinos with exceptional achievements in academic and non-academic fields in the categories of Ibang Klaseng Talino, Ibang Klaseng Community Leader, Ibang Klaseng Entrepreneur, and Ibang Klaseng Artist/Athlete categories.

This nationwide search is open to college students not more than 21 years old, with no failing grade and with a parent holding a current work contract abroad.

To join, applicants must submit an essay titled “What is the strongest characteristic that you have which you think is unique to an OF son/daughter that you believe is beneficial to change the community around you?” or alternatively “Ano sa palagay mo ang natatangi mong katangian bilang anak ng isang overseas Filipino worker na makatutulong sa pagpapaunlad ng iyong pamayanan?” in either English or Filipino with at least 1,500 to maximum of 2,000 words.

A screening committee will judge the applicants based on their academic excellence, community contribution, and other non-academic talents or skills such as sports, music, or arts.

Seven students will be awarded with the Ibang Klaseng Talino award, and three students will be given the Ibang Klaseng Community Leader, Ibang Klaseng Entrepreneur, and Ibang Klaseng Artist/Athlete awards.

Application period is until Aug. 15, 2011.

First introduced in 2007, BPI’s Search for the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children empowers the youth and their OF parents by recognizing their significant contributions in the country as model families and modern day heroes of today’s generation.

Details and application forms are available at www.bpiexpressonline.com.