Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Antonio Manuel Lagdameo and former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief coordinator Bernadette Therese Fernandez. The conferment ceremony was held during a joint courtesy call by Lagdameo and Fernandez on Marcos at Malaca±an Palace in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit, awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service to the Republic of the Philippines. Lagdameo, who plans to retire from government service in May, will be succeeded by Enrique Manalo, whose appointment as the new permanent representative was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Lagdameo was appointed as the country's permanent representative to the UN in September 2022.

Lagdameo's diplomatic career includes roles as the Philippine ambassador to London, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland between 2009 to 2010 and 2016 to 2022. He also served as ambassador to Madrid, Spain and Andorra from 2008 to 2009, and as ambassador to the US and Mexico with jurisdiction over several Central American countries from 2007 to 2008.

Fernandez, meanwhile, has served in various capacities including as the Philippines' consul general in Milan, Italy, and deputy consul general in Toronto, Canada. Her assignments also include roles at the Philippine Embassy in London and Beijing, and several positions within the DFA in Manila, reflecting her extensive career in foreign service.