By Azer Parrocha/PNA
MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has conferred the Order of Sikatuna on the outgoing ambassadors of Czech Republic, Australia, and Malaysia when they bade farewell to the Chief Executive.
The three envoys received their respective distinctions on Friday (Nov. 23).
The Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), gold distinction, was conferred on outgoing Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jaroslav Olša Jr. for his role in strengthening and deepening the cordial relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
Olša started serving in the Philippines in 2014.
The Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross, silver distinction, was conferred on outgoing Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely for her role in facilitating high-level visits and meetings, and for her dedicated efforts to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Australia.
Gorely also started serving in the Philippines in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross, silver distinction, was conferred on outgoing Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Razlan Abdul Rashid for his committed efforts to further strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of the Philippines.
Dato’ Raszlan Abdul Rashid started serving in the Philippines in August 2016.
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; 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.
