MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas formally bade President Benigno Aquino III farewell on Monday.
Thomas was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross, Silver Distinction (Datu, Katangiang Pilak) in a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace as he prepares to be replaced by former intelligence official Philip Goldberg.
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The prestigious award is given to individuals for diplomatic merit in conspicuous services in strengthening the country's foreign relations.
Aquino thanked Thomas for his “advocacy for a stronger, more robust Philippines- United States defense alliance, playing a key role in the signing of the 2011 Manila Declaration that reaffirmed the Philippines-United States of America Mutual Defense Treaty".
Thomas was also recognized for advancing high-level dialogues and consultations between the Philippines and the US, facilitating the creation of mechanisms such as the Philippines-United States of America Bilateral Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Ministerial Consultations.
Present at the ceremony were Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy Brian Goldbeck, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, DFA Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta and senior defense official to the Philippines Colonel Rocky Carter.
Thomas, engaged to Filipino corporate executive Mithi Aquino, took on an aggressive campaign to help end human trafficking in the country. However, he sparked controversy for citing 40 percent of the country's male tourists go for sex.
President Barack Obama named Thomas as ambassador to the Philippines in 2009, replacing Kristie Kenney, the first woman ambassador to the country.
Goldberg, meanwhile, is currently the State Department's assistant secretary for intelligence and research and former ambassador to Bolivia.