DFA bestows distinguished service award on Benedicto
CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs recently honored former ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto with its Distinguished Service Award.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario presented Benedicto the award in ceremonies held last February 24 at the DFA auditorium in Manila.
The award was given in recognition of Benedicto’s exceptional accomplishments, performance of duty, and substantive contributions in advancing the interests of the country and the Filipino people as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines.
Benedicto served as ambassador for 25 years, from 1986 to 2011, under five presidents — Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III. He was the longest-serving politically appointed ambassador ever.
He was first posted to Singapore, then South Korea, Brazil, Canada, India, and China. In between these postings, Benedicto also served as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2008. (FREEMAN)
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