President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, June 16, conferred awards to his select Cabinet members for their contributions in nation building.
Acting Presidential Spokesman and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar received a Presidential Medal of Merit, one of the highest awards conferred by a Philippine president to individuals.
Andanar thanked President Duterte and Senator Bong Go for the award which he dedicated to his fellow workers at Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and to his family who supported him throughout his career in government.
“I am dedicating this award to all the men and women of my department who worked hard with me to communicate the government’s message during the most difficult times of the pandemic,” he said.
Also given presidential awards were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, OPAPRU Adviser Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karlo Nograles, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez II, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, National Security Adviser Sec. Hermogenes Esperon, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson William Ramirez.
Radio Television Malacanang (RTVM) Executive Director Assistant Secretary Dennis Wilfred Pabalan, Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Joseph Lawrence “Bam” Garcia, and Undersecretary for Media Accreditation and Relations Office Feducia Mia M. Reyes-Lucas were conferred with Order of Lapu-lapu with the rank of Magalong.
Transportation Secretary Tugade and Presidential Adviser for COVID-19 Response Sec. Vince Dizon were conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank “Bayani” (Grand Cross).
Go also received the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross and Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Magalong. (PR)/ML–ag
