PRESIDENT Duterte recently bestowed presidential honors, namely the “Order of Sikatuna” and “Gawad Mabini,” on the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) most exemplary public servants who performed outstanding work for the country.
Among the highest-reserved distinctions for the Philippine foreign service, the Order of Sikatuna is a diplomatic merit conferred upon Filipinos who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Republic of the Philippines, while the Gawad Mabini is awarded to those who have provided distinguished foreign service, or helped promote the country’s interests and prestige abroad.
The Chief Executive recognized the following:
Jose Manuel G. Romualdez—ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United States of America: the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu, Gold Distinction. His continuous engagement with the US has enhanced defense and security cooperation between the two countries.
The envoy’s initiatives to promote trade and investment in the Philippines resulted in increased networks and opportunities, and his active pursuit to procure vaccines was an essential element in the national response to the pandemic.
Enrico T. Fos—former assistant secretary of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, and current ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Norway: Gawad Mabini, with the rank of “Dakilang Kamanong,” or Grand Cross. He led the pandemic-response operations of the DFA—particularly the mass repatriation of affected overseas Filipinos.
Fos was instrumental in the operations of the One-Stop Shop on procedures and policies relative to inbound passengers, as well as in the provision and implementation of mandatory health protocols upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Robert Eric A. Borje—detailed at the Office of the President as chief of presidential protocol, and presidential assistant on foreign affairs: Gawad Mabini, also with the rank of “Dakilang Kamanong,” or Grand Cross. He was key in facilitating with the Kingdom of Bahrain the repatriation of two undocumented Filipino infants in December 2019.
Serving as the president’s special envoy on numerous occasions, Borje was able to highlight Duterte’s commitment to foster bilateral ties with countries in the Middle East; and the protection of all overseas Filipinos therein.
Noel M. Novicio—executive director and deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Asean Affairs: Gawad Mabini, with the rank of “Dakilang Kasugo,” or Commander, for his years of dedication, outstanding achievements, and leadership in Asean’s international multilateral negotiations.
During his tenure as deputy permanent representative to Asean at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to Asean in Jakarta (2013 to 2020), he was lead negotiator of the country with the region’s dialogue partners on leaders’ or ministerial-level outcome documents, statements, declarations, and plans of action.
Novicio’s knowledge and expertise of Asean issues make him one of the most respected negotiators in the regional context.
Katrina Isabelle H. Borja-Martin—former first secretary and consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., and current director at the Office of American Affairs: Gawad Mabini, with the rank of “Dakilang Kasugo,” or Commander, for her successful negotiation efforts to supply the Philippines between 15 and 20 million doses of the Moderna vaccine.
Moreover, through Borja-Martin’s effective presentation of the Philippines as a potential investment destination, she was also able to facilitate investments in the country—including those for clean energy and technology.
Bernardo G. Bagalay—former assistant at the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, and now cultural officer and consular assistant at the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, Spain: Gawad Mabini, with the rank of “Kasugo” or member, for his membership in Libya’s Rapid Response Team in 2019, which helped allay overseas Filipinos’ fears and apprehensions in the said jurisdiction.
Further, in 2020, Bagalay’s presence during the arrival of the first batch of 40 overseas Filipinos from Wuhan, China in Clark Philippine Airforce Base was the beginning of the organized and systematic assistance provided to returning overseas Filipinos.
Antonio B. Villar—former Assistance-to-Nationals officer at the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy, and current administrative officer at the Office of the Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations: also with Gawad Mabini, with the rank of “Kasugo” or member, for his indispensable assistance in the repatriation of 11 Filipino seafarers who were stranded at Duress Port in Albania after being abandoned there for five months.
Villiar was also instrumental in the successful repatriation of five overseas Filipinos working in Patos, Albania who suffered in the hands of unjust employers.
The DFA lauds the honorees for their singular commitment to public service.