Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats receives Freedom Flame Award

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom Philippines has presented the 2026 Freedom Flame Award to the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD). The ceremony took place at Decagon Events in Pasig City, coinciding with FNF’s 40th anniversary of operations in the Philippines and the 15th anniversary of the award program.

CALD Chair and former Cabinet Secretary Butch Abad accepted the award on behalf of the regional network. The FNF citation recognized CALD for its efforts in strengthening pro-freedom networks and advancing the rule of law, human rights, and liberal democratic frameworks across Asia. The foundation noted that CALD fosters dialogue and collective action among political parties and civic advocates to build democratic resilience across national borders.

The event also honored several Philippine organizations, including the Commission on Human Rights, Angat Buhay, the Local Government Unit of Del Carmen, and the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership.