President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosted separate high-level diplomatic engagements at Malacañan Palace on Monday, meeting with senior United States defense officials and bestowing a prestigious state honor upon outgoing French Ambassador Marie Fontanel.
President Marcos received US Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby and Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh for a courtesy call aimed at bolstering defense and security cooperation with key regional partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Later in the morning, the President met with Ambassador Fontanel for her farewell call, highlighting the growth of Philippines-France bilateral relations during her three-year tenure.
During the ceremony, President Marcos conferred on Fontanel the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction, honoring her contributions to deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Manila and Paris.
The official citation credited Fontanel for advancing bilateral defense cooperation—culminating in the signing of the Philippines-France Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in March 2026—and for voicing France’s firm support for a rules-based international order and Philippine maritime security efforts.
Additionally, Fontanel was recognized for driving trade and investment in infrastructure, transportation, and energy, securing sustainable financing access, and expanding cultural and educational programs to enhance people-to-people ties between the two nations.