President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, December 3, acknowledged several government agencies, government officials, and employees for their exemplary work as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – National Organizing Council (ASEAN-NOC), especially during the country’s chairmanship of the 2017 ASEAN Summit.
“It is thus my pleasure to lead today’s ceremony that will recognize the extraordinary service of the outstanding men, women, and institutions who faced tremendous odds to make our Chairmanship a resounding success,” President Duterte said during the ceremony held at the Heroes Hall.
The Chief Executive underscored that he never once doubted the capacity of the Philippine government to host the 50th year anniversary of ASEAN, including the related summits and meetings that go along with it.
“The success of the various summits held in April and November of 2017, the numerous ministerial meetings and the commemorative activities held throughout the year, and the extensive outcome of documents arising from several ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, are the result of your hard work, professionalism, excellence, and dedication to duty,” he reckoned.
During the awarding ceremony the President posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag to Police Officer 1 Mark Mendoza, a local policeman from Marilao, Bulacan, who was killed by a van on October 16, 2017, while manning the traffic along North Luzon Expressway – Mendoza was part of the route security operations for the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting.
“We are saddened by PO1 Mendoza’s untimely passing and we remain hopeful that his heroism will inspire other fellow government workers to put our nation’s interest above all else,” the President said.
“Indeed, our other honorees today have been inspired by PO1 Mendoza’s sacrifice, and their individual and collective contributions to this undertaking will forever be part of this historic event that made the Philippines a major player in the regional and international stage,” he added.
The President also bestowed the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) with Gold Distinction to ASEAN-NOC Chairman Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano for their successful Philippine Chairmanship of the ASEAN 2017(PCOO)
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