MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conferred awards on over 400 foreign service personnel for their outstanding contributions on Friday.
The DFA said the award is in recognition of individual and collective contributions of the employees who pursued and demonstrated excellence in the field of foreign service as manifested in their unwavering commitment and response to the call of duty and mandates.
The conferment of the Departmental Level Awards 2015 followed deliberations made by the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the committee on the Program on Rewards, Awards and Incentive for Service Excellence (PRAISE).
Among the awards given this year are the Felipe Agoncillo Distinguished Service Award for career chiefs of mission who have significantly advanced the interests of the Philippines overseas, Outstanding Employee Award, Assistance-to-Nationals Award for individuals and groups, and Loyalty Award for length of service.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Undersecretary for Administration Linglingay Lacanlale led the conferment ceremonies.
Five career chiefs of mission received the Felipe Agoncillo Distinguished Service Award, 56 personnel for Outstanding Employee Award, 16 individual personnel and one for group category were given for the Assistance-to-Nationals Award. The DFA also gave 359 personnel the Loyalty Award.
The awardees were considered based on their work performance, exemplary contributions, work ethics, attendance and length of service, among other considerations.