French Ordre National Du Mérite Medal Awarded to Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin
Madame Maria Lourdes B. Locsin looks on as French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz and visiting French Senator Samantha Cazebonne pin the Medal of the French Ordre national du Mérite on Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
PASAY CITY, 28 June 2021 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. received a medal from the French government on 26 June 2022 during the launch of the 75th Anniversary of the Formal Establishment of Philippine-French Diplomatic Relations held on Sunday, 26 June 2022, at Gallery 7 of the Pintô Art Museum in Antipolo City, Rizal.
The medal complements the certificate that he received on 11 May 2001 prior to entering public service. Through the certificate, the French government granted him then the title Chevalier (Knight) of the French Ordre national du méritefor his efforts and achievements as a journalist.
French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz cited Locsin’s continuity of his father’s legacy by making valuable contributions to journalism, thereby upholding the freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and strengthening democracy. She further cited, in particular, Secretary Locsin’s leadership of Philippine newspapers “Today” and “Globe,” his “informative and deeply insightful ‘Teditorials,’ and “principled views” as a print columnist. Ambassador Boccoz said that, as a lover of history and an avid reader, Secretary Locsin “has a natural affinity for France.”
Visiting French Senator Samantha Cazebonne and Ambassador Boccoz pinned the medal on Secretary Locsin, witnessed by a handful of guests, officials, and members of the media. END
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin shows his French Ordre national Mérite Medal. Beside him are Ambassador Michèle Boccoz and visiting French Senator Samantha Cazebonne.