The Philippine Embassy congratulates Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Saskia de Lang on the conferment by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on her of the Order of Sikatuna, with a Rank of Datu, Silver Distinction (Katangiang Pilak) on 5 April 2022. The conferment was made by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. on behalf of the President.
The Philippine Embassy also conveys its deep gratitude to Ambassador de Lang for her significant contributions to the strengthening of Philippine-Netherlands relations and people-to-people exchanges.
Ambassador de Lang facilitated the conduct of the inaugural Philippines – Netherlands Bilateral Consultations in 2020 in The Hague, and the following year, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the 2nd Bilateral Consultations in June 2021. She is also the driving force in the opening early this month of the Netherlands Consulate General in Davao City.
It is also through her Embassy’s efforts and those of her Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Netherlands is one of the top country donors of COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy closely collaborated with the Netherlands Embassy in Manila in the conduct in November 2021 of the two-day webinar “Philippines-Netherlands Connections @ 70: Reconstructing History and Forging Ahead,” as a highlight of the 70th year commemoration of the commencement of diplomatic relations.
Present during the conferment were DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Victor B. Ledda, Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya and Netherlands Deputy Chief of Mission Pieter Terpstra.
The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. including diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered outstanding service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.
