PASAY CITY, June 24 (PIA)—President Benigno S.Aquino III recognized the accomplishments of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in helping the country regain its reputable image in the international community.
“With the reliable service of the DFA personnel and the cooperation of other sectors and our bosses, the country has redeemed its good image abroad and more importantly, we have regained our national pride,” the President said.
Aquino was the guest of honor during the 118th anniversary celebration of the DFA Thursday, June 23 held at the department’s office in Pasay City.
The President cited the department under the leadership of former Secretary Albert del Rosario for maintaining good ties with other countries and looking after the welfare of Filipinos abroad.
He praised Del Rosario for his indefatigable work in the DFA especially in extending assistance to Filipinos in distress abroad.
Aquino said Del Rosario was always “the lead from the front” in addressing problems affecting Filipinos despite his old age, recalling the secretary’s risky flight to Libya back in 2011 to help repatriate beleaguered Filipinos. Del Rosario, he said found solutions to problems beyond his expectation.
The President also handed out diplomatic merit awards to DFA executive and diplomats who have helped the country redeem its integrity around the world.
The Order of Sikatuna was conferred to DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus Yabes; retired Ambassador Nestor Padalhin, who was formerly assigned at Foreign Service Posts in the Middle East and African Regions, and DFA Chief Coordinator Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega.
The Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross is bestowed upon diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the country and endeavored to strengthen and develop relations with the Philippines.
Seven other ambassadors were conferred the Gawad Mabini award with the rank of Grand Cross or Dakilang Kamanong.
These include Maria Zeneida Collinson, Philippine Ambassador to Austria; Jesus Domingo, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand; Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Ambassador to France; Eduardo Malaya III, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia; Domingo Nolasco, Philippine Ambassador to Italy; Wilfredo Santos, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, and Carlos Sorreta, Philippine Ambassador to Russia.
The Gawad Mabini award is conferred upon Filipinos who have rendered distinguished service, or helped promote the interests and prestige of the Philippines abroad. It has three ranks, namely, Dakilang Kamanong or Grand Cross, Dakilang Kasugo or Commander, and Kasugo or Member.
The rank of Dakilang Kasugo was awarded to Dennis John Briones, acting director at the Office of American Affairs; Bernard Bonina, Social Welfare Attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia; Donna Celeste Gatmaytan, director of the Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations; and Siegfred Masangkay, third secretary and vice consul at the Philippine Embassy in Syria.
The rank of Kasugo was awarded to Norren Joy Calip, assistant and attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia; Anika Fernandez, officer in charge at the DFA Regional Consular Office in Cebu; and Gladys Perey, assistant and attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon. )PIA-NCR/RJB/SDL)
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