President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday lauded Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu for her pivotal role in strengthening Philippine-Australia relations as she concluded her diplomatic tour in the country.
During a farewell call at Malacañang, President Marcos conferred on Yu the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, in recognition of her “many significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral ties between the Philippines and the Commonwealth of Australia.”
Yu, who began her posting in 2022, officially ended her term in July.
“The elevation of our relationship to a strategic partnership happened under Ambassador Yu’s leadership,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Her work in diplomacy and international cooperation has left a profound mark on the partnership between our nations,” he added.
The Order of Sikatuna is the Philippines’ national order of diplomatic merit and is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the Republic.
The rank of Datu is the second-highest honor in the order, next only to Raja (Grand Collar), which is reserved for current and former heads of state or government.
Yu’s diplomatic service also included previous assignments as deputy head of mission at the Australian Embassy in Japan, and senior roles at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, and the Treasury.
She will be succeeded by Marc Innes-Brown PSM, a veteran diplomat who previously served as Australia’s ambassador to Türkiye, Iran, and Iraq, with past postings in Thailand and the United States.
