Merit Recognized

In mid-December, the French government, through its indefatigable Ambassador Renée Veyret, conferred on Dr. Erlinda Pefianco a national award of merit, rank of Chevalier, at ceremonies in the embassy residence. Dr. Pefianco, director of the Regional Center, SE Asian Ministers of Educational Organizations, was cited for helping to develop closer ties with France through her dedicated work in initiating a cooperative program with the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, particularly in applying new information technology to education.

The awardee also organized the 8th SE Asian Ministers of Education conference which drew over 200 delegates from 20 countries.

Guests who were headed by Sen. Tessie A. Oreta enjoyed a cocktail-buffet graciously hosted by Mme. Veyret.

At the Instituto Cervantes, Dr. Salvador B. Malig was handed a medal and a certificate by Director Jose Rodriguez Rodriguez to signify his admission to the Academia Filipina de la Lengua Española.

Dr. Malig was cited for his mastery of Spanish and his dissemination of both Spanish and Spanish culture through lectures and translations; for his commnd of English, French and Portuguese, and his fluency in German and Italian.

His illuminating response stressed Spain’s legacy to his native Pampanga. Fr. Fidel Villaroel, O.P., Fr. Jose Arcilla, S.J., Dr. Mita Pardo de Tavera and former Ambassador Leticia R. Shahani and Justice Francis Garchitorena were in the audience. And, of course, Ambassador Tomas Rodriguez Pantoja.

The importance of national days was duly recognized by Finnish Ambassador Raimo and Eija-Liisa Antolla with a reception at Inter-Con’s Grand Ballroom, and by Chilean Ambassador Carmen Lynam with a vin d’ honneur at the same venue to mark her country’s 192nd Independence Day. Haven’t you noticed that national day celebrations are getting bigger and grander?

A warm welcome to newly-arrived Russian Ambassador Anatoly and Valentina Nebogatova who are as charming as their predecessors.