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MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Gold Distinction) on outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador Alistair Bell MacDonald in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening relations between the Philippines and the EU over the past four years.
The President conferred the award on Monday during Ambassador MacDonald’s farewell courtesy call at the Yellow Room in Malacañang Palace.
Ambassador MacDonald was accompanied by his wife, Brigette, and Andrea Fennesz, deputy head of the Commission.
During his tour of duty to the Philippines, Ambassador MacDonald played an important role in the conclusion of the Philippines-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that serves as a general framework of relations between the Philippines and EU.
It was also during his term when the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Philippines and the EU was signed setting out the priorities for the EU’s development cooperation for the Philippines for the period 2011 to 2013.
The agreement played an integral part in the country’s progress toward achieving its development goals under the Aquino administration.
The assistance focused in the areas of social services, health, and governance which had a strategic significance, especially in the government’s objectives of inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Ambassador MacDonald was also instrumental in implementing socio-economic development programs and projects that have benefited the Filipino people, such as support for the provision of health services through the Department of Health (DoH) and the protection and promotion of human rights through the Justice Support Program.
He ensured the European Union’s sustained support for peace development efforts in Mindanao, through the humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance and active participation in the International Monitoring Team.
The European envoy also facilitated EU’s vital aid in the aftermath of typhoons that ravaged the country and supported disaster risk reduction measures.
Ending his second stint as ambassador to the country, MacDonald previously served as Deputy of the European Commission when it opened the commission delegation to the Philippines in 1990.
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