City officials recently commended and congratulated Her Excellency Maria Angela Abrera Ponce of Baguio, Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia, for being conferred the 2024 Gawad Mabini Award with the highest rank Dakilang Kamanong ‘Grand Cross’ on July 5, 2024 during the commemoration ceremony of the 126th founding anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In a resolution, city legislators stated that the local government is extremely proud and honored of the momentous achievement bestowed upon one of its bonafide residents, lawyer Maria Angela Ponce, who continually impresses her mark in the diplomatic service.
Further, the city government likewise expresses its elation and congratulations to the proud parents, former City Councilor Napoleon Ponce and Angelica Abrera-Ponce of Trancoville barangay, for the said feat.
Presidential Decree 490 issued on June 24, 1974 established the Gawad Mabini Award which is given by the President to individuals who have rendered distinguished service or promoted the interest of the country at home and overseas.
Moreover, the Gawad Mabini Award is granted for meritorious acts, exemplary provision of consular services, and safeguarding Filipino citizens overseas. It also recognizes distinguished service that helps advance the interest of the Philippines abroad and acts of merit that uphold the highest standards of foreign service.
Ponce, a Baguio native, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia, was recently conferred the 2024 Gawad Mabini Award with the highest rank of Dakilang Kamanong ‘Grand Cross’ by foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last July 5, 2024 in a ceremony commemorating the 126th founding anniversary of the foreign affairs department.
Ambassador Ponce was recognized for her efforts in upholding Philippine interests through negotiations and expanding the country’s maritime dialogue mechanisms with key partners during her tenure as the Assistant Secretary of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office of the agency.
Ponce was formerly the Senior Special Assistant to the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Director for Political Treaties and Director for Economic Treaties, Office of Legal Affairs; Minister and Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York; Director for Southeast Asia and Director for South and Central Asia, Office of Asia and the Pacific Affairs and as Minister and Legal Adviser and Deputy Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Paris, among others.
After obtaining her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1998, she attended the Senior Fellowship in Public Service Programme at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, then the Master of Laws in Public International Law from the University College London British Chevening School where she graduated with merit.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to Ambassador Ponce for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
