Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. awards Dubai Police Major Bader Ahmed Al Zafeen in a ceremony in Manila, Philippines on December 11, 2024.

Dubai Police’s Major Bader Ahmed Al Zafeen has become the first Emirati to receive the Kaanib ng Bayan Award, a prestigious recognition under the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. Presented by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (December 11), the award celebrates Major Al Zafeen’s exceptional contributions to the Filipino community in Dubai. The Kaanib ng Bayan Award underscores the importance of global partnerships, recognizing foreign individuals and organizations that champion Filipino welfare. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Philippine Consulate General in Dubai praised Major Al Zafeen’s “historic achievement,” emphasizing the significant impact of his DNA initiative. From 2021 to 2023, Major Al Zafeen spearheaded efforts to repatriate 118 undocumented Filipino children. By facilitating DNA testing and securing exit passes—free of charge—he ensured these children could pursue education and lead normal lives. “Going beyond his official duties, Major Bader led collaborative efforts with various UAE government agencies, ensuring the conduct of DNA testing and the issuance of exit passes—entirely free of charge to the families involved,” according to the Philippine Embassy and Philippine Consulate General in Dubai in a joint statement. The Dubai Police officer is one of only 13 awardees this year selected from 84 nominations received by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas from 27 countries through 41 Philippine Foreign Service Posts. ICA/Expat Media
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