Malacañan Palace
23 June 2016

“You saw the hopes and dreams of our countrymen and turned them into tangible realities,” said President Benigno S. Aquino III when he led the conferment of Presidential Awards to heads of various departments and agencies held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.

In his brief remarks, the President gave recognition to outstanding individuals for their work dedication and exceptional leadership, and for their support to the administration’s platform of clean and honest governance. “All of you in this hall have answered the call to bring change to our country, and I, myself, am witness to the depth of your sacrifice,” he said.

The 24 recipients were bestowed with two awards: The Order of Lakandula – which is meant to acknowledge civil and political merit; and the Presidential Medal of Merit – which is granted to those who have rendered exemplary service to the President.

“As we leave office, we can do so with our heads held high, because we’ve done right by the Filipino people. Thus, on behalf of our people, and from the bottom of my heart, I must say: Thank you very much,” President Aquino ended.

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