Original upload date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Archive date: Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:11:58 GMT
Bahay Pangarap, PSG Compound
12 November 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally welcomed United States of America Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in a courtesy call at the Baha
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y Pangarap, PSG Compound in Malacanang.
The call was immediately followed by the conferment of President Arroyo of the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of datu to Secretary Clinton. It was bestowed to the secretary because of her extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples; vision of a global village and her advocay of women's and children's rights; relentless efforts in promoting world peace and a more secure future for all; staunch suppport to Filipino World War II veterans, in recognition of their military service and the grant of their long-due benefits; and exceptional and meritorious efforts in fostering and deepening relations between the Philippines and the United States.
President Arroyo hosted an official dinner for Secretary Clinton and her delegation right after the conferment.
Earlier, the State Secretary had a joint press conference with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary at the Goldbenberg Mansion in Malacanang. Secretary Clinton entertained questions both from the Filipino and American press. It was followed by her visit to Malanday High School in Marikina where she led the ribbon-cutting of a book fair. In her short message, the secretary announced the additional relief funds to be given by the American government worth US $5 million. She said that the assistance will be used by the typhoon victims to build classrooms, acquire 300,000 books and desks, and avail water and sanitation facilities.(*CTP)