President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa for his contributions to strengthening relations between the Philippines and South Korea.
Lee received the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu, or Grand Cross, Gold Distinction, during his farewell call on Marcos in Malacañang.
The Korean envoy began his tour of duty in the Philippines in June 2023.
Marcos thanked Lee for his service and said the ambassador’s accomplishments were the result of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
The President cited Lee’s role in promoting high-level official dialogues and exchanges between the two countries, as well as in advancing socio-economic development in the Philippines through investments in strategic industries, including semiconductors and shipbuilding.
Marcos also recognized Lee’s efforts to support development assistance through technical cooperation in health, agriculture, and the environment.
The President likewise acknowledged the envoy’s role in facilitating government-to-government cooperation agreements and supporting the implementation of existing agreements in various fields.
The Order of Sikatuna is conferred on individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Philippines, including diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states, as well as personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
On Wednesday, Marcos also welcomed former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair to Malacañang, citing his continued contribution to global discussions on governance and public policy.
“As one of Britain’s longest-serving Prime Ministers, he continues to contribute to global conversations on governance and public policy through the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change,” Marcos said in a social media post.
Blair served as United Kingdom prime minister from 1997 to 2007.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos and Blair discussed the Philippines’ economic growth, efforts to strengthen the country’s National Crisis Management Systems, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve government efficiency.