PNoy honors DFA execs, diplomats on 118th year of PHL foreign service

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday led the handing out of diplomatic merit awards to Filipino diplomats seven days before he steps down from from Malacañang.

Speaking during the 118th anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Aquino said

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. —NB, GMA News