A well-deserved award from the Queen
UK Ambassador Asif Ahmad confers the Order of the British Empire on former Philippine Ambassador to the UK Jesus Tambunting.
United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad recently hosted a formal reception at the Ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park to mark the recognition of former Philippine Ambassador to the UK Jesus Tambunting as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Established in 1917 by King George V, the OBE is part of the British honors system that recognizes, not only British citizens, but also foreign individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, science, charity or public service outside of the British civil service.
“To be recognized today by no less than Her Majesty for my service to the cause of closer cooperation and friendship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, and to be also commended for my work in the private sector in the fields of finance and investments, reward me beyond all my expectations. It crowns my more than four decades of service in the public and in the private sector,” remarked the former envoy affectionately known as “Chuching” by his family and close friends.
As the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1993 to 1998, he really worked hard to strengthen relations between the Philippines and the UK, which has become the Philippines’ biggest source of foreign investments from Europe. Chuching certainly deserves the honor and recognition conferred by Queen Elizabeth.
A successful businessman who is known as the founder of Planters Development Bank, the former diplomat’s warm and charming personality has enabled him to develop important relationships that have also contributed to his success in both the public and private sectors.
Having known Jesus “Chuching” Tambunting for many years, the best way to describe him is simply, “he’s a very nice man.” - Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz
