Manila, July 9 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, in recognition of his significant contributions to the expanding cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea.

Lee received the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) during his farewell call on Marcos at Malacanan Palace in Manila.

The Order of Sikatuna is the Philippines' national order of diplomatic merit, awarded to foreign nationals and diplomats who have rendered exceptional service in advancing international relations.

Marcos expressed his appreciation to Lee for his valuable service during a period when Philippines-South Korea relati...