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vienna

25 July 2014 – The Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Commander (Lakan), was conferred on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Mr. Jože Kastelic, in ceremonies held at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna on July 18. Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia, conferred the award on Mr. Kastelic on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III.  

 

The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred by the President upon nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.

 

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Yparraguirre mentioned that the award was being conferred on Mr. Kastelic in recognition of his efforts to deepen the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Slovenia and for his dedicated service to the Philippines and Filipino people for 20 years. Among Consul General Kastelic’s achievements are the following:

 

•           Assistance in the conclusion of agreements on economic cooperation, scientific and technical cooperation, tourism, and political consultation between the Philippines and Slovenia;

•           Organization of a trade fair in Manila in 1997 participated in by 38 Slovenian businessmen and a business forum in Ljubljana in 2013 participated in by Filipino businessmen;

•           Invaluable assistance rendered in organizing the concert of the Philippine Madrigal Singers held in Ljubljana in June 2014.

 

Consul General Kastelic continues to be much-loved and respected by the Filipino community in Slovenia and has served them with dedication and concern, in a fatherly and patriarchal manner.

 

After the conferment ceremony, Philippine Honorary Consul General Kastelic took the opportunity to express his gratitude to President Aquino and Ambassador Yparraguirre for the conferment of the award. A reception followed attended by the Embassy officers and staff, Philippine Honorary Consul in Bratislava, Slovak Republic Ing. Pavol Konstiak, and members of the Filipino community in Vienna and in Slovenia. END