pamana award

honouring heritage. supporting the next generation of storytellers.

Pamana means heritage — what we inherit, carry, and pass on.

The Pamana Award is an undergraduate student award for those residing in British Columbia, Canada, that recognizes emerging communicators whose storytelling honours culture, identity, and community. The award supports students from underrepresented communities who are using communication as a tool to advance equity, representation, and belonging.

Presented by Foliage Filipino in partnership with the International Association of Business Communicators BC Chapter (IABC/BC), over the next five years, the Pamana Award combines financial support, mentorship, and professional connection to help students grow and bloom as culturally grounded strategic communicators.

about the award

Storytelling plays a powerful role in shaping how culture is preserved, understood, and shared. Yet, many voices - particularly those from underrepresented communities - continue to face barriers to access, visibility, and opportunity within the communications profession.

The Pamana Award was created to:

  • Honour cultural heritage and lived experience through storytelling

  • Support students who are advancing equity and inclusion through communication

  • Invest in emerging communicators early in their academic and professional journeys

  • Strengthen pathways between students and the professional communications community

This award reflects a shared commitment by IABC/BC and Foliage Filipino to cultivate a more inclusive, representative future for the communications profession.

the need for the award

recipient benefits

The Pamana Award recipient will receive:

  • A monetary award to support academic or professional development

  • Mentorship support facilitated by Foliage Filipino

  • A complimentary IABC/BC student membership

  • Recognition through IABC/BC and Foliage Filipino channels

eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a recognized post-secondary institution in British Columbia

  • Be studying or pursuing an interest in communications, marketing, public relations, media, or related fields

  • Identify as a member of an underrepresented or underserved community

  • Demonstrate an interest in or commitment to storytelling that honours heritage, culture, identity, or community

  • Be willing to participate in recognition, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing activities associated with the award

what to submit

Applicants will be asked to submit:

  • A completed online application form

  • (Optional) Supporting materials such as writing samples, creative work, or portfolio links

Detailed application instructions provided below.

details + timeline

Applications Open

Application Deadline

Review Period

Award Announcement

Jan 30, 2026

Feb 22, 11:59 pm PT

March - May

Late May

Note: Details and timeline are subject to change at anytime without advance notice. Applicants are responsible for keeping up to date with the application and associated timeline.

application

You can preview the application questions here.

Then when you are ready, apply through the link below.

apply now (coming soon!)

  • The Pamana Award is open to undergraduate students enrolled in a communications, marketing, digital marketing, journalism, public relations, or related program in British Columbia. Applicants ideally identify as BIPOC or as part of an underrepresented or underserved community and demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and cultural representation through their communication work.

  • No. You do not need to be an IABC member to apply. The award includes a complimentary one-year IABC/BC student membership for the selected recipient.

  • The award includes a $1,000 cash award, mentorship from Foliage Filipino, a complimentary one-year IABC/BC student membership, recognition through IABC/BC and Foliage Filipino channels, and opportunities to connect with communications professionals.

  • One recipient is selected annually.

  • Applications are reviewed by a selection committee jointly supported by IABC/BC and Foliage Filipino. The committee evaluates submissions based on eligibility, alignment with the award’s purpose, demonstrated commitment to equity and cultural representation, and the quality of the applicant’s storytelling or communication work.

  • Applicants will be asked to complete an application form, full requirements will be outlined on the application page.

  • Yes. Students graduating in the current academic year are eligible to apply, provided they are enrolled in an undergraduate program at the time of application.

  • All application materials will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of administering and adjudicating the Pamana Award. Personal information will only be accessed by authorized members of the review and selection committees and will not be shared publicly without the applicant’s consent, except where required for award administration or recognition of the selected recipient.

  • Shortlisted applicants and the selected recipient will be notified according to the timeline outlined on the left.

  • If you have questions about the Pamana Award or the application process, please contact pamana@foliagefilipino.com or review the application form for details.

  • 100%. International students, as long as they meet the other requirements, are encouraged to apply. We look forward to seeing your application!

faq