- Time Period: Post-WW2 Period
- Year of Institution: 1993
- Country: Republic of The Philippines
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:
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.
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.
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.
