The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), through the Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards, has granted “Bending Without Breaking” the 2019 Print Journalism Award: Best Book on Migration on 17 December 2019 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

On behalf of the writers and editors, Anny Misa-Hefti accepted the award, saying “We show how we migrants working in foreign countries make the world a better place in which to live. On behalf of the editors and writers of Bending without Breaking, I accept this award. In this book, we illustrate how migrants are not only survivors, they are winners.”

CFO Secretary Francisco Acosta thanked the winners for accepting the responsibility of being the voice of those Filipinos who don’t have one. “Higit sa pribilehiyo, kalakip ng gantimpalang ito ay responsibilidad. Isang tungkulin ang pag-imik at hindi pananahimik. Maraming salamat sa pag-ako ninyo sa responsibilidad ng pagkukuwento, lalo na para sa mga Pilipinong nangangailangan ng boses. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paglikha ng mga obrang tumatalakay sa buhay ng mga kababayan natin sa ibayong dagat. Ang inyong mga likha ay maagang pamasko sa sambayanang Pilipino.”

The trophy, designed by Aris Bagtas of Kunst Pilipino & Gallery in Batangas, is a sculpture of a migratory bird that symbolizes journey, peace and prosperity represents the essence of what it is to be a migrant.

The MAM Awards is a CFO program established in 2011 to give recognition to the significant role of media in raising awareness on Filipino migration issues, including the promotion of a positive image of Filipinos living overseas.