PGMA confers Lakandula Award on Ermita

MANILA, March 9 (PNA) -- Malacanang on Monday conferred on former Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita the Order of Lakandula award with the rank of Bayani, a high government honor given to an individual who has dedicated his/her life to the service of society, worthy of emulation by the Filipino people.

The Bayani rank specifically honors one who has devoted his life to the peaceful resolution of conflict, a mission that Ermita has long followed since he took part in the Marcos Tripoli Talks in Libya on the Muslim problem in Mindanao in the mid 70s, when he became defense undersecretary in 1988 and during most of his senior government career.

Ermita used to be the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and had been chairman of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel before he became defense secretary in 2003.

He has been executive secretary to President Arroyo for over five years. He resigned last week ending 53 years of government service, most of it spent in the military. He is seeking a congressional post in Batangas where he hails from and where he had served in that capacity already for nine years.

In giving him the award, President Arroyo cited Ermita, who is now 74, for his meritorious contribution and services to the government.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines. It is an order of political and civic merit, awarded in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people. (PNA)
RMA/OPS/ssc