SK leaders present PGMA with sculptural token

Manila (24 June) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday received a sculptural token from the country’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Federation leadership for the support she gave the youth leaders.

The art token was designed by Dr. Abdukmari Asia Imao Sr., national artist for sculpture and Presidential Merit awardee, based on the concept of Jane Censoria D. Cajes, SKNF national chairman, as a tribute to a President “who has embodied both the highest aspirations of women empowerment with the inspiration of a nurturing mother.”

The SKNF leaders called on the outgoing President in Malacanang to bid her farewell.

The sculpture was co executed by Toym de Leon Imao, son of Dr. Imao and current 2010 Fullbright Scholar in the field of sculpture of the Maryland Institute College of Arts in Baltimore.

The design resonates a cradle and a boat as a visual metaphor that reinforces the concept of motherhood and nurturing the young. The sculpture is made of yakal, pounded brass, iron and cold cast bronze. The sail held by the younger figure is symbolical of an offer of the youth’s potential (a sail harnessing the wind to move forward) to the motherland. The sail has alibata letters that spell out the word in four syllables “SA-LA-MA-Ta” or thank you in the vernacular.

Four get high Palace awards for dedication and meritorious help to Filipino people President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday (June 23) conferred four government awards ? two Order of Sikatuna and two Order of Lakandula — on four individuals for their services to the country and their efforts in advancing the interests of the Filipino people.

Greek national Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (gold distinction).

The IMO is currently holding the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) while its associated STCW Code for Seafarers is ongoing at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with rank of Datu was Ambassador Libran Nuevas Cabactulan, president of the 2010 Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference and permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.

The Order of Sikatuna is an award of diplomatic merit given to diplomats, government officials and foreigners recognized for their exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines.

The two recipients of the Order of Lakandula, an award of politico and civic merit recognizing the dedication and responsibilities of individuals in memory of the Filipino hero Lakandula, were Capt Gregorio S. Oca and Dr. Ambeth Ocampo.

Capt. Oca, champion of Filipino seafarers and Maritime Workers and president of the Association of Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, was conferred the Order of Lakandula with rank of Bayani.

Ocampo was given the same award as Chairman of the National Historical Commission (2000-2010). He was the chairman of the recently held 2010 Philippine Independence Day celebrations. (PIA-MMIO)