The Palawan Group of Companies, in partnership with JCI Senate Philippines, is once again putting the spotlight on Filipino household workers with the launch of the Kasambahay Kasambuhay Awards 2026, an annual recognition program that honors kasambahays who demonstrate exceptional dedication, service, and compassion in their line of work.
Now on its 11th year, the awards continue to elevate the narrative around domestic work in the Philippines, framing kasambahays not merely as helpers, but as integral members of households who provide stability, care, and support that enable families to pursue work and daily responsibilities.
Timed close to the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan, the initiative underscores the program’s broader theme of resilience and everyday heroism — spotlighting individuals whose contributions often remain unseen but deeply felt within Filipino homes.
“For the past 10 years, this program has been our way of honoring the quiet heroes of Filipino homes. As we commence its 11th year, we seek to continue honoring the kasambahays who serve with unwavering dedication, loyalty, and care,” said Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies. “Sila po ang tunay na sandigan ng maraming pamilya.”
Castro added that the company’s advocacy goes beyond financial services. “True service goes beyond transactions. It is about uplifting lives, creating opportunities, and standing by Filipinos through every stage of their journey,” he said.
JCI Senate Philippines echoed this commitment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing kasambahays as partners in family life and community development.
“Ang kasambahay ay hindi lang tumutulong sa ating mga bahay. Sila ay katuwang sa pagbuo ng ating mga pamilya,” said JCI Senator Rosalind Ngo, National Chairman of this year’s awards. She also called on the public to help surface stories of kasambahays whose contributions often go unrecognized.
Digital nominations via PalawanPay
In time for Araw ng Kagitingan, the Kasambahay, Kasambuhay Awards 2026 returned to honor these unsung heroes, the tunay na idol sa buhay.
According to Palawan Credit Marketing Manager and CSR lead Rebecca Badayos, nominations for the 2026 cycle will run from April 1 to August 3, 2026. Entries may be submitted either by employers or self-nomination.
For the first time, submissions will be fully integrated into the PalawanPay app, where users can register, access the “Idol in Real Life” banner, and submit entries directly through the platform.
From thousands of submissions, a committee will select 10 grand finalists who will be named official awardees during ceremonies scheduled for December 7, 2026.
Expanded recognition and support
Palawan Group of Companies marked 11 years of honoring kasambahays, recognizing them as the quiet heroes and true sandigan of Filipino families, as it continues its mission of uplifting lives through service that goes beyond transactions.
This year’s winners will receive increased support, with 10 grand awardees each receiving ₱100,000 in cash and a TESDA scholarship aimed at skills development and long-term livelihood opportunities. An additional 20 kasambahays will receive ₱10,000 each under a special recognition category.
Palawan Group Chief Marketing Officer Bernard Kaibigan said the program is intended to highlight real-life stories of service and sacrifice. “Ang kuwento ng inyong buhay ay karapat-dapat na ipagmalaki at kapulutan ng inspirasyon,” he said.
Palawan Group founder and chairman Bobby L. Castro also emphasized the long-standing partnership with JCI Senate Philippines, calling the initiative a platform that gives voice and dignity to Filipino household workers.
“Through the Kasambahay Kasambuhay Awards, we have built more than just a recognition program. We have built a platform that affirms their dignity, hard work, and invaluable contribution to Filipino families,” Castro said.
Recognizing everyday heroism
JCI Senator Rosalind Ngo, expressed gratitude to Palawan Group and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities by honoring kasambahays as true partners in building and caring for Filipino families.
As the awards program enters its 11th year, organizers say it continues to reinforce a broader social message: that heroism is not confined to high-profile professions, but also found in everyday acts of care, sacrifice, and service within Filipino homes.
Beyond the awards and the financial incentives, the initiative positions itself as a sustained advocacy effort — one that recognizes kasambahays as essential contributors to family stability and community life.
The Kasambahay Kasambuhay Awards 2026 is expected to continue building on its legacy of elevating untold stories, transforming them into public recognition of resilience, dignity, and everyday heroism.
Updates and nomination details will be available via the official Facebook pages of PalawanPay and JCI Kasambahay Kasambuhay Awards 2026.
