President Rodrigo Duterte has conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ephraim Ben Matityau during his farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace.
The Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), silver distinction, was conferred on the Israel envoy for his significant role in strengthening and deepening the cordial relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel.
President Duterte recognized the ambassador for “his committed efforts in further strengthening cooperation between the State of Israel and the Republic of the Philippines to advance peace, progress, and prosperity in our countries and for helping bring closer the people of the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel in greater friendship, understanding, and mutual respect.”
Ambassador Matityau served in the Philippines since August 1, 2014.
Also present during the farewell call on Monday, August 6, 2018 were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, Foreign Affairs Executive Director Raymond Balatbat, and Foreign Affairs Director Norman Padalhin.
The Israel ambassador was recognized for his key role in increasing people-to-people exchanges and mutual trust between the two countries through defense and education cooperation and tourism promotion.
He was also cited for facilitating Israel’s humanitarian assistance to the Philippine government’s rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City.
Accompanying the envoy were his family: Madame Lizia Lu, Marianne Orsher, Daniel Orsher, and Michael Orsher. (from a PND report)
