Study Room, Malacañan Palace
January 23, 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction upon Masatsugu Asakawa, outgoing President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening the partnership and overall relations between the Philippines and ADB, during a farewell call at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace.

During the meeting, Mr. Asakawa expressed his gratitude to the President for warmly welcoming him to Malacañan Palace as he concludes his tenure and for recognizing his substantial contributions over the past five (5) years in advancing the ADB’s shared mission for the Asia-Pacific Region.

President Marcos Jr. conveyed his appreciation for ADB’s support in the development of the Philippines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that ADB remains at the forefront of foreign-assisted projects in the country.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and ADB, particularly in areas such as economic development, healthcare, infrastructure investment, climate resilience and human capital development.

Established in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

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