Crown Prince Awarded 'Order Of Lakandula'

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, yesterday was awarded by Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with the ‘Order of Lakandula' in recognition of His Royal Highness' leadership and dedication.

His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah met President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the First Gentleman, Mr Miguel Tuason Arroyo at the Manila Polo Club.

Also present was Prince Abdul Qawi.

During the meeting, His Royal Highness and President Arroyo exchanged views on bilateral relations between Brunei and the Philippines and expressed satisfaction with the excellent progress of cooperation between the two countries.

President Arroyo in 2001 at a State Banquet in Brunei said that relations between Brunei and the Philippines are continually reinforced by frequent visits at the highest level between the two countries and this can be traced back to 1575.

The two countries, together with Asean partners Indonesia and Malaysia, are involved in the development of the East Asean Growth Area, known as the BIMPEAGA (Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines - East Asean Growth Area). The initiative hopes to spur economic growth in the region through complementation projects.

After the meeting, His Royal Highness consented to proceed to a Conferment Ceremony where President Arroyo awarded His Royal Highness with the "Order of Lakandula".

The "Order of Lakandula" is an order of political and civic merit bestowed upon the Crown Prince in recognition of His Royal Highness' leadership and dedication.

His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri then attended a luncheon hosted by the Philippine President and the First Gentleman.

Also present was Prince Abdul Qawi.

Earlier, His Royal Highness consented to visit the Operations Centre of the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in Camp Aguinaldo, Manila.

His Royal Highness was given a red carpet welcome at the centre and was greeted upon arrival by the Undersecretary of the Department of National Defence, Anotonio Santos Junior.

Accompanying His Royal Highness was Prince Abdul Qawi. The itinerary began with welcoming remarks by Santos, which was followed by a briefing on the establishment of the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the framework of its Disaster Management System and Plan of Action. A question-and-answer session followed shortly after the briefing.

A tour of Operations Centre was next on the itinerary where His Royal Highness was also given a briefing by the centre's Chief of Operations, Agnes T. Palacio, on the core functions as well as its facilities. Before concluding the visit, His Royal Highness consented to sign the centre's guestbook.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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