It never hurts to appreciate someone’s good deeds, especially if it’s in the service of others. The Order of the Golden Heart is an award given to Filipino or even foreign citizens who have rendered outstanding service or given monetary or material aid, encouragement, and volunteerism for the improvement of the Filipino masses’ social, economic, and moral conditions.

The award was created by President Ramon Magsaysay under Executive Order 40-A in June 21, 1954, as the Golden Heart Presidential Award. It was later changed to Order of the Golden Heart by Executive Order 236 on September 19, 2003.

The Order of the Golden Heart is composed of the following ranks: Grand Collar (Maringal na Kuwintas), Grand Cross (Maringal na Krus), Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno), Commander (Komandante), Officer (Pinuno), and Member (Kagawad). As of now, there have been 86 recipients of the award including Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Fe del Mundo, and Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon, Sr.

If only we could give this award to every deserving Filipino, then we would have many inspiring figures to look up to. But award or not, kindness goes a long way and right now, we need more of it in the country.