House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil received one of Taiwan’s highest civilian honors on Friday in recognition of her work in strengthening ties between Manila and Taipei during her stint as chairperson and resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
Garafil said the conferment of the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon reflects the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and goodwill in diplomacy, noting that partnerships are built through trust and steady engagement.
She described the recognition as a reminder that diplomacy helps deepen economic and people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Garafil thanked Taiwanese officials, including Foreign Minister Lin Cia-lung, and acknowledged continued coordination with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, led by Rep. Wallace Minn-Gan Chow.
House officials said the Taiwan visit had been scheduled earlier and was linked to her past diplomatic service.
Garafil is set to resume her regular duties at the House of Representatives on Monday.
