President Duterte recently conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, on former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano.
The Order of Sikatuna is the highest honor a Philippine president can bestow upon the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and a Filipino diplomat.
Cayetano, the country’s top diplomat for the last one and half years, was recognized by the President for his outstanding and dedicated service as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the President said Cayetano actively pursued the country’s independent foreign policy which, through a principled, prudent, pragmatic, and purpose-driven approach, has produced the environment of peace and stability, giving the Philippines significant gains in protecting national territory and enjoying sovereign rights.
“In the past year and a half, the DFA continued to build, bridge, and build relationships, further opening the Philippines’ doors to the international stage. The next step is to ensure that the commitments the country obtained are translated into actual, tangible, and fruitful benefits for the Philippines and our people,” said Cayetano during the conferment ceremony.
Duterte likewise credited Cayetano for protecting and promoting the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers anywhere in the world. Under Cayetano, DFA’s Assistance-to-Nationals and legal assistance program was improved and expanded to a proactive service mechanism for all overseas Filipinos in distress, from a previously slow and unresponsive support mechanism.
