Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on outgoing Spanish envoy
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani on outgoing Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Arias Romero in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening relations between the Philippines and Spain over the past four years.
The Chief Executive conferred the award on Tuesday during Ambassador Romero’s farewell call at the Yellow Room of the Premier Guest House in Malacañang Palace.
The Spanish envoy was accompanied by his wife, Soledad Laviña de Arias Romero, Maria Molina, and Antonio Garcia, deputy head of mission and first secretary of the Spanish embassy respectively.
Also present to witness the conferment rites was Secretary Alberto Romulo of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Within his four-year stint in the country, Ambassador Romero played an important role in the promotion of the high-level exchange of visits between his country and the Philippines.
Ambassador Romero was cited for overseeing the signing of 16 bilateral agreements on agro-industries, culture, education, environment, social and tourism cooperation, among others.
He favorably assisted the Philippine government, through constant coordination with Spanish officials, in the commutation of the death sentences of Filipino nationals Marilou Ranario and May Vecina in 2009, particularly through the intercession of King Juan 1st with the Emir of Kuwait.
The Spanish ambassador was also actively involved in priority undertakings during the Spanish Presidency of the European Union from January to June 2010.
He was also commended for facilitating Spanish Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects to several communities in the Philippines, particularly those in the Bicol and Caraga regions.
It was through Ambassador Romero’s active involvement that the promotion of Spanish language, culture and trade were pushed in the country through the organization of cultural, fashion and music festivals.
The envoy was appointed as the ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines in March, 2007.
Before his diplomatic assignment to the country, Ambassador Romero served under different Spanish diplomatic agencies and offices.
He was previously affiliated with the Oficina de Información Diplomática, Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores of Spain. (PCOO)
