Philippine envoy to US feted for exemplary service

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has conferred on Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu, Gold Distinction, in recognition of his efforts in strengthening the long-standing comprehensive and thriving ties between the Philippines and the US.

Romualdez virtually joined the conferment ceremony held at Malacañang from Washington, DC. The embassy’s former minister and consul, Gunther Sales, accepted the award on the ambassador’s behalf.

“The Order of Sikatuna is one of the three senior honors of the Republic conferred upon Filipino and foreign diplomats who have made immense contributions to the foreign relations of the Philippines and its geopolitical standing. This afternoon, my good friend Ambassador Jose Manuel ‘Babe’ Romualdez will join the distinguished roster of the Order of Sikatuna awardees,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in his remarks.

While serving as Philippine envoy, Romualdez “further deepened the Philippines-US alliance through enhanced defense and security cooperation, particularly in maritime security and the upgrading of Philippine defense capabilities; for promoting trade and investment resulting in the recent entry into the Philippines of US-based SBA Communications, thereby advancing the development of the country’s telecommunications technology backbone.”