Manila, Sept. 4 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Antonio Manuel Lagdameo and former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief coordinator Bernadette Therese Fernandez.

The conferment ceremony was held during a joint courtesy call by Lagdameo and Fernandez on Marcos at Malacanan Palace in Manila.

The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit, conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Republic of the Philippines.

Lagdameo, who expressed his desire to retire from government service in May, will be replaced by former DFA secretary Enrique Manalo, whose latest appoint...