President Duterte confers Order of Sikatuna on outgoing South Korean Ambassador

President Rodrigo Duterte conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Grand Cross (Datu) Gold Distinction on South Korea’s Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae-Shin during a farewell call in Malacañan Palace on Monday, January 8, thanking the envoy for his contributions in forging stronger Philippine-South Korea relations.

President Duterte said South Korea and the Philippines have been friends for a long time and expressed his gratitude to one of Asia’s economic powerhouses for its continuing assistance to the country.

Ambassador Kim was specifically awarded the Order of Sikatuna for his significant role in strengthening and deepening relations between the Philippines and South Korea. He was also cited for facilitating South Korea’s timely assistance for the victims of the conflict in Marawi City and for assisting cooperation agreements and projects supporting the Philippines.

The envoy was also commended for his efforts in bringing closer the peoples of the Philippines and South Korea.

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.

It is conferred 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.

Kim, who served in the country for less than three years, will return to South Korea after his tenure in the Philippines.

Present during the simple ceremony were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Millicent Cruz-Paredes.

Accompanying Ambassador Kim were his spouse, Madame Lee Jongmin, and Embassy Ministers-Counselor Park Younghyo and Song Areum.

Following the event, the President presided over the 21st Cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace. (PND)

Popular

Sharp decline in June 2025 food inflation, proof that gov’t interventions work — DEPDev

By Brian Campued The Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to “boost local production, improve logistics, and implement calibrated trade and biosecurity measures” have helped tame food...

TD Bising intensifies; Wind Signal No. 1 up in extreme Northern Luzon

By Brian Campued Tropical Depression Bising slightly intensified over the sea west of extreme Northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said Friday. In its 11:00 a.m....

WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions for July 4 due to heavy rains

Classes in the following areas have been suspended on Friday, July 4, due to the impact of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the...

PBBM to study DILG Sec. Remulla’s request to declare class suspensions

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Thursday assured Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will...