Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 13) — Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) were awarded the Gawad Mabini in Malacañang Wednesday.
In his speech, President Rodrigo Duterte thanked the recepients, saying, “Your unwavering dedication has enabled our country to achieve major foreign policy and national economic goals.”
The DFA officials honored are:
Usec. Enrique Manalo
Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso
Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz
Theodore Andrei Bauzon
Director Ryan Francis D. Gener
At the ceremony, Duterte told the awardees, “Your efforts have also safeguarded and promoted the welfare and the rights of Filipinos residing abroad.”
He added, “May you continue your exemplary service in advancing the interest and sovereignty of our nation.”
The Gawad Mabini was created in 1974 under Presidential Decree No. 490, by President Ferdinand Marcos. The award is conferred upon personnel of the DFA both in the Philippines and overseas, “as well as on other Filipinos who have rendered distinguished service or promoted the interests of the Republic of the Philippines at home and abroad.”
New ambassadors welcomed
Also on Wednesday, the President welcomed five new ambassadors to the Philippines.
The ambassadors of Belgium, Mexico, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Nigeria submitted their credentials to the President in Malacañang.
The new ambassadors to the Philippines are:
Michel Goffin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium
Gerardo Lozano Arredondo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Mexican State
Giorgio Guglielmino, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Italy
Daniel Robert Pruce, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Adekunbi Abibat Sonaike-Ayodeji, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
