President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu to former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

In a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Cayetano was recognized “for his outstanding and dedicated service as Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs.”

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The President commended Cayetano for actively pursuing the country’s independent foreign policy, which gave the country “significant gains in protecting our national territory and enjoying our sovereign rights.”

Duterte also credited Cayetano for protecting and promoting the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and for reforming Department of Foreign Affair’s (DFA) passport system.

“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,” a statement by the DFA quoted Cayetano.

He added: “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.”

The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. /jpv

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