Noy confers Order of Lakandula on UN coordinator

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino conferred yesterday the Order of Lakandula, with the rank of Grand Officer, on United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Luiza Carvalho.

The President gave the award to Carvalho during her farewell call held at the Music Room of Malacañang.

Carvalho, also the resident representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), was honored for strengthening and deepening relations between the Philippines and the UN; for her outstanding and dedicated service in the field of humanitarian work, peace and development; and for being an “exceptionally worthy and competent representative” of the UN in the country.

She was also recognized for her “steadfast efforts in promoting partnerships between Philippine private and public institutions, with the end view of providing support to marginalized communities,” the Palace said in a statement.

The Chief Executive acknowledged her efforts in mobilizing international support for the Philippines in sectors of crisis intervention and emergency response, disaster risk reduction management, good governance, education and social welfare and development.

Carvalho was also praised for her contribution and support to the Philippine initiatives in the domestic, regional and multilateral arena, especially in the areas of human rights, empowerment of women and peace building and conflict resolution.

Also present at the awarding ceremony were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Carvalho was joined by her spouse and other UN officials.

Meanwhile, Aquino also received the members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of Malacañang.

Upon entering the room, Aquino warmly greeted the Philippine Army paddlers, led by team leader and president Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc.

He shook hands with the team members, who were proudly wearing their gold medals, which they bagged during the 9th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships held in Ravenna, Italy last September.

The team brought honor to the country for setting two world records by winning the competition’s 200-meter and 500-meter small boat open categories.

The members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team are steersman Technical Sergeant Franco Tinoco; paddlers Senior Sgts. Joemar Ocquiana, Romy John Dionio, Usman Anterola, Salvador Sumagaysay; Sgts. Ronald Tan and Rodrigo Tanuan Jr.; Privates 1st Class Ramie Llano, Gerald de la Cruz, Hardy Pabulayan, Cresmark Dayumat, Romel Donesa, Rame Llano and Gil Martin Gonzales; and drummer Private 1st Class Jayson de la Cruz.

Also present during the courtesy call were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief of staff Gregorio Pio Catapang and Army chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri.