Text by Martin R. Racza with inputs from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Dr. Melvin Sanicas, an alumnus of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM), received the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), Pamana ng Pilipino Award, on Dec. 11, 2024. The award, conferred by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recognized the invaluable contributions of Dr. Sanicas to further Filipino interests outside of the country.

A native of Bacolod City and currently in Switzerland, Dr. Sanicas is a physicianscientist specializing in global health, immunology, and preventive medicine. He is presently the international medical director (screening portfolio) at Exact Sciences, managing research, clinical studies, and educational medical activities for novel technologies in cancer screening. He is also the co-host of Global Health Cast, a TED educator, and a consultant advisor for early-stage life science and digital health startups.

Dr. Sanicas is a renowned expert in global health, immunology, and preventive medicine. His exemplary achievements and remarkable contributions have and continue to aid the world’s response to COVID-19 and other formidable infectious diseases.

The PAFIOO is one of the highest recognitions conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines upon outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign individuals and organizations. The Pamana ng Pilipino Award category is conferred to overseas Filipino individuals who exemplify the talent and industry of the Filipino and have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. These awards celebrate exceptional achievements and meaningful contributions that have advanced the welfare of overseas Filipinos, supported national development efforts, or raised the international profile of the Filipino diaspora.■