3 PH diplomats in Malaysia receive Gawad Mabini award

Three officials of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were conferred
on Thursday the Gawad Mabini Awards for their efforts in the establishment of
alternative learning centers (ALC) for Filipino and other migrant children in Sabah.
Among the recipients of the Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kamanong (Grand Cross)the
highest rank out of three awardswas Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya III.
[O]ur initiatives are mere first steps in a long journey, but we are hopeful that with
the support of all stakeholders, we will be able to improve their lives through
education, one child at a time, Ambassador Malaya said.
The six other recipients of the Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kamanong were Maria
Zenaida Angara Collinson, Ambassador to Austria; Jesus S. Domingo, Ambassador to
New Zealand; Maria Theresa S. Lazaro, Ambassador to France; Domingo P. Nolasco,
Ambassador to Italy; Wlfredo C. Santos, Ambassador to Qatar; and Carlos D.
Sorreta, Ambassador to Russia.
Embassy Attach Atty. Norren Joy Calip was bestowed the Gawad Mabini, Kasugo
(Member) for assisting Ambassador Malaya on the ALC project.
Other conferees of the Gawad Mabini, Kasugo were Anika A. Fernandez of the DFA
Cebu Regional Office and Gladys O. Perey of the Embassy in Lebanon.
The Embassys Department of Social Welfare and Development Attach Bernard
Bonina received the Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kasugo (Distinguished Member) for his
dedicated service in the rescue and extending assistance to Filipinas who became
victims of trafficking.
Others who were bestowed the Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kasugo were Dennis John
Briones of the DFA Office of American Affairs, Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan of
the DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations, and Siegfred
Masangkay of the Philippine Embassy in Syria.
The awarding ceremonies at the DFA main office in Pasay were held in line with the
118th founding anniversary of the DFA. The awards were given by President Benigno
Aquino III and DFA secretary Jose Rene Almendras.
In his closing remarks, President Aquino praised the diplomats for their dedication
despite the difficulty of their work.
[A]nywhere in the world, you prove that you are Filipinos serving for the welfare of
your countrymen. Despite the doubts and risks at work, you do not waver. Your
dedication to nurture our bossesthe Filipinosalways prevails, Aquino said.

He also commended former DFA secretary Albert Del Rosario for his initiative and
responding to problems beyond expectation. He said that Del Rosarios leadership
bore good employees such as the awardees.
Aquino ended his speech by continuing to express his gratitude to the Gawad
Mabini recipients, saying that their hard work would always serve as a good
example to the entire country.
May we strengthen our unity and continue promoting our ambitionto leave the
country in a far greater situation than what we came to see, he concluded.
Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 490, the Gawad Mabini Awards are given to
distinguished personnel of the DFA who have rendered distinguished service or
promoted the interests of the Republic of the Philippines at home and abroad.