Noy confers Order of Sikatuna on Obama

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino conferred last night the Order of Sikatuna with the highest rank of Raja or Grand Collar on visiting US President Barack Obama, whom he cited as a friend and partner of the Filipino people who had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the nation.

In his official inscription as he signed the guestbook of Malacañang Palace upon his arrival, Obama thanked Aquino and the Filipinos for welcoming him.

“May America’s oldest alliance in Asia always be renewed by our friendship and mutual respect,” Obama said.

In his toast during the dinner in honor of Obama, Aquino said Obama’s visit was a long time coming and marked another important chapter in the two countries’ relations.

“Since 1953, the highest recognition of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines has been the Order of Sikatuna. It is conferred on those who have fostered and elevated the bilateral partnership of our country with other nations. Tonight, I have the distinct pleasure to confer the highest rank, that of Raja or Grand Collar, on you, Mr. President, for your leadership and policies that assisted the Philippines in times of natural disaster, for helping uphold stability and peace by means of the rule of law in Southeast Asia, and for working with us to fundamentally raise the defense capacity of our country,” Aquino said.

The first of Obama’s predecessors to receive this distinction was Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.

Aquino expressed hope that the conferment would symbolize the Philippines’ esteem for the American people, “and may it serve as a reminder of the mutual desire to always be partners based on the highest principles of liberty, democracy and progress.”

“Mr. President, I have always taken to heart that, in an increasingly complex world, it is incumbent upon all of us to be part of the solution and not of the problem. From the very first meeting we had in New York in 2010 to this night, you and I, and the members of our respective administrations, have worked together as partners and friends, finding ways to promote common understanding and to develop meaningful solutions to a great number of our era’s dilemmas,” Aquino said.

‘Kalooban’

Obama said he was deeply honored to receive the award and vowed to continue improving ties between the two countries.

“I’ve only been here one day but the kindness that you’ve shown me and the extraordinary hospitality that has been extended to us leaves us with very warm feelings and reflects the legendary spirit of the Filipino people,” Obama said.

“I’m told that you have a word to describe this – that inner feeling at the core of the person’s being: kalooban. We see the spirit in a family that’s given itself to this country. There is no greater nobility than offering one’s life to the nation. And Mr. President, your father offered his life, so that this nation might be free,” he said.

Obama said Aquino’s mother and the citizens of the country took to the streets and showed the world that “true power lies with people” and with the canonization of Pope John Paul II, they also honored the world that the Catholic Church played in supporting the Filipino people and their desire for freedom. “Noynoy, you bear the scars of those who would have taken this nation backwards, and you carry on your family’s noble tradition of service in your commitment to the dignity and prosperity of the Filipino people,” he said.

“Yours is a fierce independence won through sacrifices and renewed with each generation. And we saw that again this year. After Yolanda, America grieved with you and stood with you, but we were also inspired by your resilience and determination to care for those who have been affected. 

“Tonight, our hearts actually grieve for some of our fellow Americans back home who have been devastated by very terrible storms and tornadoes, but we draw our strength from your example.  For even as we grieve, we know that we will recover and we will rebuild in these communities that have been affected because people will care after each other,” Obama said.