Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 29, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recognized the invaluable contributions of the Philippine Foreign Service in upholding the advancement of foreign policy as he accorded the Order of Sikatuna and Gawad Mabini Decorations to several personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

During the conferment ceremony at the Malacañan Palace, President Duterte underscored that the awardees have represented the nation with much honor, dignity and pride in the global community in the midst of opportunities, and in the face of challenges and uncertainty.

“Your unwavering sense of duty and unrelenting efforts have contributed much in upholding our country’s independent foreign policy and in ensuring the welfare of Filipinos at home and abroad,” the President stressed in his message.

According to the Chief Executive, the awardees’ contributions in securing the country’s political, economic and socio-cultural goals, as well as the promotion of international cooperation, are truly commendable.

“It is my fervent hope that you and your colleagues in the Philippine Foreign Service will continue to serve the Philippines to the best of your ability and without reservation,” he said.

The awardees during the conferment ceremony included Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert E.A. Borje, Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America Jose Manuel Romualdez and Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico Fos, among others.

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