Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, Other Embassy Personnel Recognized for Exemplary Performance during the 126th DFA Day
The Philippine Embassy in Jordan received multiple Department-level awards during the 126th DFA Founding Anniversary Celebration on 05 July 2024 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Pasay City, Philippines.
Leading the Embassy awardees was His Excellency Wilfredo C. Santos who was conferred the Gawad Mabini with the rank of Dakilang Kamanong. The Gawad Mabini is conferred to Filipinos who have rendered distinguished foreign service or have helped promote the interests and prestige of the Philippines overseas. The award was named after Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs. It was created in 1974 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 490. Ambassador Santos was also honored with the Loyalty Award for his 30 years of dedicated government service.
Ambassador Santos' career is a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to public service. His numerous achievements significantly enhanced the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, including the high-level representations made with the government officials of the host country. Ambassador Santos also took the lead in the successful rescue and repatriation of all 137 Filipino nationals from the Gaza Strip who were affected by the current conflict, together with their Palestinian family members, prioritizing the safety of the lives of Filipinos and the protection of their welfare above all else.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ambassador Santos is known for his mentorship, guiding young diplomats and inspiring them to pursue excellence in their careers.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also recognized Amman PE’s Emergency Management Team (EMT) members, mainly composed of its ATN section, and conferred the Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Award (Group Category) for the dedication and hard work that the team exhibited to ensure the success of Post’s ATN operations. In the face of unprecedented challenges in the last quarter of 2023, they demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the Filipino nationals in Gaza going above and beyond the call of duty. The Amman PE Emergency Management Team’s tireless efforts, round-the-clock commitment, and effective coordination played a pivotal role in ensuring a swift and organized response to the crisis. Through the ATN section and the Embassy’s unwavering dedication, all of the 137 Filipinos in Gaza were able to exit the besieged enclave via the Rafah border crossing in five (5) batches, representing a 100% repatriation rate. "Their resilience, professionalism, and selflessness amid adversity are a testament to their commitment to public service and exemplify the finest traditions of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service," Ambassador Santos remarked.
The Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Award Individual Category, was conferred to two of its ATN Officers, namely Mr. Francisco Magno and Ms. Ma. Jolina M. Guerrero. Both of them played pivotal roles by spearheading the assistance provided to Filipinos when the war between Israel and Hamas broke out on 07 October 2023. They were instrumental in gathering crucial information required for the safe evacuation and repatriation of Filipino nationals, and they demonstrated unwavering commitment at the forefront of ensuring the well-being of their fellow citizens by monitoring them 24/7. They closely coordinated with government agencies, embassies, and non-governmental organizations for the facilitation of the evacuation. They have exemplified the true spirit of humanity, embodying the values that define heroes in times of crisis.
Most notable of the ATN Unit’s achievements was the successful repatriation of non-marital Filipino children from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which is still ongoing in staggered batches. The untiring efforts of the entire ATN Unit enabled the Embassy to send home 55 children, breaking down legal and cultural barriers which proved almost impossible before.
The relentless dedication of the ATN Unit to repatriate these children not only established excellent working relationships between the Embassy and the Jordanian government, but, more importantly, has sparked a wave of change, giving recognition to the rights of this vulnerable demographic. This endeavor has facilitated their access to fundamental rights and services, equipping them with tools to break free from the shackles of marginalization and giving them hope for a brighter future, irrespective of their birth circumstances.
Ms. Elijah Ang-Encarnacion from the Cultural, Community, and Public Information (CCPI) Section of the Embassy was awarded the Outstanding Employee Award, for her exemplary performance as the Embassy’s Cultural Officer. Her contributions were notable in Post’s cultural diplomacy efforts focusing on programs with high diplomatic value, while keeping aligned with the context and purpose of the DFA’s brand of cultural diplomacy, despite having limited resources.
One of the highlights of the Embassy’s cultural initiatives was connecting the Filipino children in Amman to their Filipino roots. Through Post's activities intended for children, they are able to learn more about Filipino culture and language, thereby contributing significantly to their identity and social development. More importantly, the Embassy's cultural diplomacy program creates bridges of understanding between the Philippines and Jordan by utilizing both traditional methods and modern tools like social media, alongside activities that promote the Philippines as a prime tourist and investment destination. It is also an active participant in various events in Jordan to highlight the Philippines' progressive stance on social issues.
Two of the Embassy’s local hires, Mr. Casimra Rasid and Mr. Cesar Castro likewise received the Loyalty Award, for their dedicated service to the Embassy for 15 years and 10 years, respectively.
These awards recognize not only their professional achievements but also their unwavering commitment to the service of the Filipino community abroad. Under the leadership of Ambassador Santos, they have exemplified the highest standards of excellence and integrity in their respective roles, showcasing the very best of Filipino diplomacy. Their efforts have fostered greater understanding and cooperation, enhancing the welfare and interests of Filipinos in Jordan and the State of Palestine.
As the Embassy celebrates this momentous occasion, it remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the principles of diplomacy, promote Philippine interests, and safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipinos overseas. The Embassy looks forward to continuing its work with utmost dedication, inspired by the exemplary achievements of its award-winning personnel. END
For more information, visit www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/ammanpe, or https://www.instagram.com/phinjordan/