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Category: Philippines

The Gawad Mabini Award

The National Living Treasures Award is conferred to artists for their contributions to the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

The Gawad Mabini Award (or Medalla de Premio Apolinario Mabini al servicios de Relaciones Exteriores in Spanish) is bestowed upon Filipinos who have demonstrated outstanding service in foreign affairs or have significantly advanced the interests and reputation of the Philippines on the global stage. Established through Presidential Decree No. 490, dated 1974, in homage to Apolinario Mabini, the inaugural Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the First Republic of the Philippines, its guidelines were formalized in 2003 under the Honors Code of the Philippines.

As outlined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Honors Code, the Gawad Mabini is granted for various meritorious acts, including substantial contributions to the evacuation of Filipino nationals from perilous situations, exemplary provision of consular services, or safeguarding Philippine citizens abroad. It also recognizes outstanding performance in international negotiations or missions, along with other individual acts of merit that uphold the highest standards of the Foreign Service.

The Gawad Mabini Award Ranks

The Gawad Mabini comprises three distinct ranks:

  1. Grand Cross (GCrM) (Dakilang Kamanong) – Awarded to former or current Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Mission, cabinet members, or other high-ranking officials who led Philippine delegations to significant international conferences at the ministerial level. Recipients of this rank are recognized for their substantial contributions to the public interest and welfare resulting from their participation in such conferences.

  2. Commander (CM) (Dakilang Kasugo) – Bestowed upon officers holding ranks ranging from career minister to foreign service officer class IV, or upon personnel from government agencies serving as Attaches in Foreign Service establishments. Recommendations for this rank are made by the Chief of Mission or the Principal Officer of the respective post served, or by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs for personnel based in the Home Office.

  3. Member (MM) (Kasugo) – Granted to staff officers or employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Recommendations for this rank are made by the Chief of Mission or the Principal Officer of the post served, or by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs for personnel in the Home Office.

The Gawad Mabini Award Design

The emblem of the Gawad Mabini features a stylized Romanian Cross with a central red triangle adorned with stars at each corner, showcasing the likeness of Apolinario Mabini.

Encircling this central design are three stylized letter Ks. The medal for recipients of the Grand Cross is crafted from silver gilt, while for those awarded Commander and Member ranks, it is fashioned from gilded bronze or copper. The ribbon consists of three equal stripes in red, yellow, and blue, reminiscent of the colors found in the Philippine flag.

The National Living Treasures Award

The National Living Treasures Award is conferred to artists for their contributions to the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

The National Living Treasures Award, also known as the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), is a recognition conferred by the Government of the Philippines upon individuals or groups of artists for their significant contributions to the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.

A recipient of this award, termed a National Living Treasure or Manlilikha ng Bayan, is described as “a Filipino citizen or group of Filipino citizens engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino, whose exceptional skills have attained a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been transmitted to and widely practiced by present generations within their community with the same level of technical and artistic proficiency.”

The initiative began in 1988 with the establishment of the National Folk Artists Award by the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala. However, this recognition ceased after 1992 when it was supplanted by the GAMABA Law. Notably, individuals recognized with the National Folk Artists Award from 1988 to 1992 are not formally acknowledged by the government, as the award was conferred by a private entity.

The National Living Treasures Award Eligibility

To qualify as a National Living Treasure, an individual must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency: Resides within an indigenous or traditional cultural community across the Philippines that has preserved its indigenous customs, beliefs, rituals, and traditions, or has amalgamated external influences while retaining its distinctiveness.
  • Artistic Tradition: Engages in a folk art tradition that has a documented history of at least 50 years.
  • Consistency: Demonstrates a consistent and prolonged commitment to producing works of exceptional and unique quality over a significant period.
  • Mastery: Exhibits a high level of expertise in utilizing the necessary tools and materials for their craft and enjoys a recognized reputation as a master and creator of works of outstanding technical prowess.
  • Transmission of Skills: Actively imparts, or intends to impart, their skills in the folk art to other members of the community, thereby ensuring the continuity of the community’s traditional art form.

The National Scientist of the Philippines Medal

The National Scientist of the Philippines Medal was introduced in 1978 and is the highest award accorded to Filipino scientists.

The Order of National Scientists of the Philippines, also referred to as ONS, stands as the highest distinction bestowed upon Filipino scientists by the Philippine government. Those recognized with this honor are recognized as National Scientists (Pambansang Alagad ng Agham).

Established on December 16, 1976, by President Ferdinand Marcos via Presidential Decree Nos. 1003 and 1003-A, which also gave rise to the National Academy of Science and Technology, the award carries significant prestige. According to the decree, a scientist is defined as someone who holds a doctoral degree in any scientific field and has showcased distinction through independent research or notable innovative accomplishments in various scientific domains, including agriculture, engineering, medical sciences, mathematics, and social sciences, as evidenced by published works in reputable scientific and technical journals. The status of the award was elevated to that of an order in 2003.

The National Scientist of the Philippines Medal Eligibility

The nomination and selection process fall under the jurisdiction of the National Academy of Science and Technology, comprised of Filipino scientists. Annually, the Academy recommends a maximum of 10 scientists to the President of the Philippines for the prestigious title of National Scientist.

Ultimately, it is the President who makes the final decision, based on the distinguished individual or collaborative achievements in science and technology demonstrated by the nominees.

The National Artist of the Philippines Medal

The National Artist of the Philippines Medal was established in 1972 and is bestowed on Philippine nationals for significant contributions.

The Order of National Artists of the Philippines (or Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas in Tagalog) is a prestigious distinction granted by the President of the Philippines to Filipino nationals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of Philippine art. These distinguished individuals, known as National Artists, were initially recognized through an Award, which was later elevated to the status of an order in 2003.

Administered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, this order was established under President Ferdinand Marcos’s Proclamation № 1001 dated April 2, 1972. The first recipient of this recognition was the renowned Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo.

National Artists are those who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and impact in their respective artistic fields. Candidates for this honor must undergo a rigorous selection process, including recommendations from both the Cultural Center and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, before being officially conferred the Award. Following a Presidential Proclamation, these individuals are designated as National Artists (Filipino: Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) and are welcomed into the Order.

The National Artist of the Philippines Medal Eligibility

Originally, the categories for recognizing National Artists encompassed various fields, including:

  • Music: including singing, composition, direction, and/or performance;
  • Dance: covering choreography, direction, and/or performance;
  • Theater: involving direction, performance, and/or production design;
  • Contemporary Arts: spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed media works, illustration, graphic arts, performance art, and/or imaging;
  • Literature: comprising poetry, fiction, essay, playwriting, journalism, and/or literary criticism;
  • Film and Broadcasting/Broadcast Arts: encompassing direction, writing, production design, cinematography, editing, camera work, and/or performance; and
  • Architecture, Design, and Allied Arts: which includes architecture design, interior design, industrial arts design, landscape architecture, and fashion design.

The Outstanding Achievement Medal

The Outstanding Achievement Medal is a single grade decoration of the Philippines awarded by the Secretary of National Defense.

The Outstanding Achievement Medal is a singular-grade honor in the Philippines bestowed by the Secretary of National Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilians alike. It may also be conferred upon civilians and military personnel from allied foreign nations.

The award is designated “…for distinguished or exceptional accomplishments or service in the promotion of science, or in socio-economic, technical, or military sectors associated with national defense, or for exemplary public service.“

The Outstanding Achievement Medal Design

The medal features a gold star encircled by a gold wreath, symbolizing exceptional accomplishment and honor, respectively. It is worn suspended from a ribbon around the neck.

The ribbon itself is purple with a prominent gold stripe running through its center.

The Philippines Armed Forces Medal of Valor

The Philippines Armed Forces Medal of Valor was established in 1935 and is awarded for a conspicuous deed of personal bravery.

The Medal of Valor (or Medalya ng Kagitingan in Filipino) stands as the highest military honor bestowed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, recognizing acts of exceptional bravery and selflessness that surpass the call of duty, setting the recipient apart from their comrades.

Defined within the Philippine Army Awards and Decorations reference material FC 1–0062, adapted from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Awards and Decorations Handbook, Second Edition published in 1997, this prestigious award is reserved for “heroism in combat” and holds paramount importance in the order of precedence of awards and decorations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Conferred by the President of the Philippines, the Medal of Valor is presented to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and allied military personnel, including recognized guerrilla forces. Such is the esteem in which the medal is held that the President is required to salute both the medal and the individual adorned with it.

According to Philippine Republic Act No. 9049, recipients of the Medal of Valor are entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity of ₱20,000, separate from any salary or pension provided by the government. President Rodrigo Duterte increased this monthly gratuity to ₱75,000 in 2016, underscoring the nation’s enduring gratitude for acts of extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

The Philippines Armed Forces Medal of Valor Design

The medal features a disc adorned with a raised golden sea-lion clutching the eight-rayed Philippine sun, surrounded by water waves depicted as five blue ripples. Positioned atop a red cross with golden borders are crossed golden swords, with the uppermost section of the cross adorned with three golden stars arranged in a triangular pattern.

Connecting the medal to a sampaguita wreath, comprised of ten white buds and twenty-two green leaves, is a golden bar inscribed with the phrase “For Valor.” This wreath serves as a link to the crimson neck ribbon, adorned with eight golden stars arranged horizontally in two parallel lines. Similarly, the service ribbon, worn in lieu of the medal itself, features a crimson hue with eight golden stars, aligned horizontally in two parallel lines, with five stars on the top line and three on the bottom.

While some sources refer to the medal as the “Medal For Valor” due to the phrase embossed on the bar, others, including official Philippine government sources, identify it as the “Medal of Valor.”

Symbolically, the sea-lion represents the Office of the President of the Philippines, while the eight-rayed sun signifies the eight Philippine provinces that rebelled against Spanish rule. The blue ripples symbolize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, while the crossed swords represent conflict with the enemy in defense of the nation. The three stars correspond to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the three island groups of the Philippines, and the sampaguita wreath signifies the highest honor for courage and gallantry. The red coloration symbolizes bravery.

The Order of Gabriela Silang

The Order of Gabriela Silang, established in 2003 and names after a national heroine, is an all-female order of the Philippines.

The Order of Gabriela Silang (or Orden ni Gabriela Silang in Filipino) stands as an exclusive all-female order within the Philippines, honoring the legacy of the esteemed Philippine national heroine, Gabriela Silang.

The distinction was named in honor of María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang , an 18th-century Filipino revolutionary and independence activist against Spanish colonizers, recognized as a national hero of the Philippines. Today, it is awarded to the spouses of heads of state or government, natives and foreigners.

This distinguished order comprises a single class, bestowed upon the spouses of heads of state and/or government, regardless of nationality, showcasing the significance of their contributions to society.

The Order of Gabriela Silang Design

Made of gold-plated silver, the order’s badge has the shape of an eight-rayed star with an inner medallion surrounded by stylized rays in the shape of rice leaves, on which the stylized letters “G” and “S” are placed. The inner medallion is enameled in white and the letters are gilded. 

The ribbon of the Order of Gabriela Silang is adorned with vibrant hues of red, accented by striking borders in yellow and blue, symbolizing courage, unity, and loyalty.

The Philippine Legion of Honor

The Philippine Legion of Honor was established in 1947 and is awarded to both civilians and members of the military, Filipino or foreign.

The Philippine Legion of Honor (or Lehiyong Pandangal ng Pilipinas in Filipino, Legión de Honor Filipina in Spanish) was established by President Manuel Roxas on July 3, 1947, through Philippine Army Circular No. 60.

Modeled after the Legion of Merit of the United States of America, it was designed to recognize both civilians and military personnel, whether Filipino or foreign. 

Presently, the Philippine Legion of Honor is awarded to individuals who have rendered valuable and meritorious service pertaining to the military affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. As such, it holds the distinction of being the principal order of military merit in the country.

To underscore the significance of civil service in military matters, as well as its role in upholding the honor of the Republic of the Philippines and contributing to nation-building, the Philippine Legion of Honor is bestowed on the anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence

The Philippine Legion of Honor Classes

Initially, mirroring the structure of the U.S. Legion of Merit, the Philippine Legion of Honor comprised four classes, referred to as degrees, with Legionnaire representing the basic rank and Chief Commander being the highest. Following the overhaul of the Philippine system of orders and decorations in 2003, the classes of the Philippine Legion of Honor were rebranded as “ranks” instead of “degrees,” and the ranks were expanded.

Today, the civilian segment ranks are:

  • Chief Commander (CCLH) (Punong Komandante) – Granted to a civilian for a lifetime of distinguished service in public affairs not otherwise qualifying for the Quezon Service Cross, or to a former or incumbent head of state and/or government.

  • Grand Commander (GCLH) (Marangal na Komandante) – Bestowed upon a civilian for extraordinary acts of service that significantly impact the military sphere of the Philippines, or upon individuals such as crown princes, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House, Chief Justices, or their equivalents in other nations, as well as foreign ministers or officials of cabinet rank, Ambassadors, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, or others of similar rank, for their lifelong contributions to the military field.

  • Grand Officer (GOLH) (Marangal na Pinuno) – Awarded to a civilian for acts of exemplary merit benefiting the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals holding positions such as chargé d’affaires, Ministers, Minister Counselors, Consul Generals, Executive Directors, or those of comparable rank.

  • Commander (CLH) (Komandante) – Conferred upon a civilian for conspicuous acts of merit that serve the interests of the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals holding positions like Chargé d’affaires, Counselors, First Secretaries, Consul Generals in the consular section of an Embassy, Consular officers with a rank exceeding Second Secretary, Directors, or others of similar standing.

  • Officer (OLH) (Pinuno) – Granted to a civilian for commendable acts of merit benefiting the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals such as Second Secretaries, Consuls, Assistant Directors, or those with similar positions.

  • Legionnaire (LLH) (Lehiyonaryo) – Conferred upon a civilian for acts of merit that benefit the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals holding positions like Third Secretaries, Vice Consuls, Attachés, Principal Assistants, or others of similar rank.

The Order of Sikatuna

The Order of Sikatuna was established in 1953 and is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines.

The Order of Sikatuna (or Orden ng Sikatuna in Filipino) serves as the Republic of the Philippines’ premier national order of diplomatic merit. It is bestowed upon individuals who have exhibited exceptional and commendable service to the nation, diplomats, officials, and citizens of foreign countries who have made significant contributions to fostering, developing, and enhancing relations between their respective nations and the Philippines, as well as personnel of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both domestically and abroad.

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is authorized to confer the Order of Sikatuna on behalf of the President, recognizing individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to diplomatic relations.

History of the Order of Sikatuna

President Elpidio Quirino established the “Order of Sikatuna” through Executive Order No. 571 on February 27, 1953. Section 2 of the executive order explains that the Order of Sikatuna commemorates the first treaty, known as the Pacto de Sangre, between the Philippines and a foreign country.

According to President Quirino’s order, this treaty symbolizes the historic blood compact, commonly referred to as the sandugo, between Bohol native chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. However, recent scrutiny has questioned the accuracy of this premise, as historical records indicate that the first blood compact occurred 44 years earlier between Ferdinand Magellan, representing the Spanish crown, and Raia Siaiu, the king of the island-port of Mazaua. 

The Order of Sikatuna Classes

The Order of Sikatuna has six classes (which changed in 2003). At the time of writing this, these are:

  • Grand Collar (GCS) (Raja) – Awarded to a former or current Head of State and/or government.
  •   Grand Cross (GCrS) (Datu) – The Grand Cross is divided into two categories:
    • (i) Gold (Katangiang Ginto) and
    • (ii) Silver (Katangiang Pilak).
      It may be conferred upon a Crown Prince, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, or individuals holding equivalent positions, as well as foreign ministers, cabinet-level officials, ambassadors, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, or individuals of similar rank or status.
  • Grand Officer (GOS) (Maringal na Lakan) – Granted to Chargé d’affaires, e.p., ministers, minister counselors, consuls general overseeing consular posts, executive directors, or individuals of comparable rank.
  • Commander (CS) (Lakan) – Bestowed upon Chargé d’affaires a.i., counselors, first secretaries, consuls general in the consular section of an Embassy, consular officers with a personal rank higher than Second Secretary, directors, or individuals holding similar positions.
  • Officer (OS) (Maginoo) – Conferred upon Second Secretaries, consuls, assistant directors, or individuals of similar rank.
  • Member (MS) (Maharlika) – Awarded to Third Secretaries, Vice Consuls, Attachés, Principal Assistants, or individuals holding comparable positions.

The Order of Lakandula

The Order of Lakandula was established in 2003 and is one of the highest civilian orders of the Philippines.

The Order of Lakandula (or Orden ni Lakandula in Filipino) stands as one of the Philippines’ most esteemed civilian honors, established on September 19, 2003. It is bestowed in recognition of exceptional political and civic merit, paying homage to Lakandula’s legacy of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage, and resolve in serving one’s people.

As outlined in the Honors Code of the Philippines (Executive Order 236, September 19, 2003), the criteria for conferring the Order of Lakandula are delineated in Section 5, II. This prestigious award is granted to a Filipino or foreign citizen who:

  • a. Demonstrates a lifelong dedication to the betterment of society through their actions and endeavors;
  • b. Serves as a model of conduct and character for the Filipino people to emulate;
  • c. Exhibits remarkable deeds warranting special recognition, such as enduring personal sacrifice for the preservation of democracy and the territorial integrity of the Philippines, dedicating oneself to peaceful conflict resolution, or displaying exceptional commitment to fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, justice, and respectful relationships among individuals; or
  • d. Engages in acts traditionally acknowledged by presidential awards, including commendable political and civic service.

The Order of Lakandula Classes

There are seven classes or ranks for the Order of Lakandula:

  1. Grand Collar (Supremo): Bestowed upon an individual who has endured significant hardships in defense of the democratic principles or territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines, or upon a former or current head of state or government.

  2. Grand Cross (Bayani): Conferred upon an individual dedicated to resolving conflicts peacefully, serving as a role model for the Filipino people, or holding high-ranking positions such as Crown Prince, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, Foreign Minister, Ambassador, Undersecretary, or Assistant Secretary.

  3. Grand Officer (Marangal na Pinuno): Granted to an individual demonstrating lifelong commitment to political and civic welfare, or holding positions such as Chargé d’affaires e.d., Minister, Minister Counselor, Consul General, Executive Director, or similar ranks.

  4. Commander (Komandante): Bestowed upon individuals showing exceptional dedication to political and civic welfare, or holding positions like Chargé d’affaires a.i., Counselor, First Secretary, Consul General in an Embassy’s consular section, Director, or equivalent ranks.

  5. Officer (Pinuno): Awarded to individuals with commendable dedication to political and civic welfare, or holding positions like Second Secretary, Consul, Assistant Director, or similar ranks.

  6. Member (Kagawad): Given to individuals displaying meritorious dedication to political and civic welfare, or holding positions like Third Secretary, Vice Consul, Attaché, Principal Assistant, or equivalent ranks.

  7. Champion for Life (Kampeon Habang Buhay): The most recently established rank, created in 2006 by President Gloria M. Arroyo. Initially positioned after the Pinuno rank, it was later aligned with the Order of National Artists.