Outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction on outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to the Philippines H.E Steven Robinson AO who paid a farewell call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on 30 May 2022.
On his Twitter page, Ambassador Robinson posted, ‘Honoured to be conferred the Order of Sikatuna by President Duterte at the Malacañan Palace; a recognition of the deep bonds between Australia and the Philippines. There is no doubt that our tradition of #mateshipandbayanihan will only grow stronger in the future.’
Honoured to be conferred the Order of Sikatuna by President Duterte at the Malacañan Palace; a recognition of the deep bonds between Australia and the Philippines. There is no doubt that our tradition of #mateshipandbayanihan will only grow stronger in the future. pic.twitter.com/AzIdEs2k4W— Steven J. Robinson AO (@AusAmbPH) May 31, 2022
According to the Official Gazette (officialgazette.com.ph), the Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines; upon diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines; or upon personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both in the home office and in the foreign service. Together with the Philippine Legion of Honor and the Order of Lakandula, the Order of Sikatuna is one of the three senior honors of the Republic.
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