31 July 2012 – For their distinguished service and unwavering commitment in promoting the interests of the Republic of the Philippines here and overseas, a total of 16 outstanding diplomats and Foreign Service personnel were conferred the Gawad Mabini in a special awarding ceremony held this morning on the occasion of the 115th DFA Foundation Day and the 149th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini.
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Gawad Mabini upon the awardees through Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario at the DFA Main Building’s Bulwagang Apolinaro Mabini in Pasay City.
There were six (6) recipients of the Gawad Mabini with a rank of Grand Cross (Dakilang Kamanong), seven (7) recipients of the Gawad Mabini with a rank of Commander (Dakilang Kasugo), and three (3) recipients of the Gawad Mabini with a rank of Member (Kasugo).
The Gawad Mabini with a rank of Grand Cross (Dakilang Kamanong), conferred upon a former or incumbent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Mission, cabinet member or other high official who headed a Philippine delegation to an important international conference on a ministerial level which resulted to substantive contributions to public interests and public welfare, was conferred by President Aquino on:
1. Rafael E. Seguis (Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration)
2. Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez (Senior Special Assistant, Office of the Undersecretary for Administration)
3. Teresita V.G. Barsana (Assistant Secretary, Office of ASEAN Affairs)
4. Nestor N. Padalhin (Ambassador, Philippine Embassy in Damascus)
5. Gilberto G.B. Asuque (Assistant Secretary, Office of Ocean Concerns)
6. Raul S. Hernandez (Assistant Secretary and DFA Spokesperson, Public Information Services Unit)
The Gawad Mabini with a rank of Commander (Dakilang Kasugo), conferred upon an officer with a rank between a Career Minister to Foreign Service Officer Class IV, or upon personnel of a government agency who served as an attaché in a foreign service establishment, was conferred on:
1. Patrick A. Chuasoto (Special Assistant, DFA Office of the Secretary)
2. Marciano R. De Borja (Special Assistant, Office of the Undersecretary for Administration)
3. Enrico T. Fos (First Secretary and Consul, Philippine Permanent Mission to Geneva)
4. Rex Arvin T. Malimban (member, Crisis Management/Rapid Response Team)
5. Christine Queenie C Mangunay (Posthumous; former Executive Director, Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination)
6. Alicia D. Santos (Labor Attaché, Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Malaysia/Philippine Embassy in Malaysia)
7. Edward C. Yulo (Special Assistant, Office of the Undersecretary for Administration)
The Gawad Mabini with a rank of Member (Kasugo), conferred upon a staff officer or employee of the DFA, was conferred on:
- Jerome F. Friaz (ATN Officer, Philippine Embassy in Riyadh)
- Merle B. Puruganan (Administrative Officer, DFA Office of the Secretary)
- Aquino M. Sultan (Head, Regional Consular Offices Coordinating Center or RCOCC)
Established on 19 September 2003 pursuant to Executive Order No. 236, or otherwise known as The Honors Code of the Philippines, the Gawad Mabini is conferred upon the personnel of the DFA and upon Filipinos who have steadfastly rendered distinguished service and who promoted the interests of the Republic of the Philippines at home and overseas. It is named after the country’s first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Apolinario Mabini.
The DFA’s outstanding employees and loyalty awardees, who have rendered exceptional service to the Department for years, were likewise recognized during the program. END