PGMA confers Sikatuna, Lakandula awards

MANILA, June 24 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred on Wednesday government awards – two Order of Sikatuna and two Order of Lakandula -- on four individuals for their services to the country and their efforts in advancing the interests of the Filipino people.

Greek national Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (gold distinction).

The IMO is currently holding the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) while its associated STCW Code for Seafarers is ongoing at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with rank of Datu was Ambassador Libran Nuevas Cabactulan, president of the 2010 Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty [NPT] review conference and permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.

The Order of Sikatuna is an award of diplomatic merit given to diplomats, government officials and foreigners recognized for their exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines.

The two recipients of the Order of Lakandula, an award of politico and civic merit recognizing the dedication and responsibilities of individuals in memory of the Filipino hero Lakandula, were Capt Gregorio S. Oca and Dr. Ambeth Ocampo.

Capt. Oca, champion of Filipino seafarers and Maritime Workers and president of the Association of Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, was conferred the Order of Lakandula with rank of Bayani.

Ocampo was given the same award as Chairman of the National Historical Commission (2000-2010). He was the chairman of the recently held 2010 Philippine Independence Day celebrations. (PNA)
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