According to the Philippine Chinese Commercial News, Philippine President Arroyo presented the Order of Lakandula and the Order of Sikatuna, the highest honorary medals, to 13 distinguished individuals from the public and private sectors on the afternoon of the 22nd.
Those awarded the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross include former Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo, former Secretary of Justice Raul Gonzalez, former Secretary of Public Works and Highways Hermogenes Ebdane, former Secretary of Trade and Industry Peter Favila, former Presidential Chief of Staff Edgardo Dizon, former Presidential Assistant Joaquin Lagonera, former Secretary of Energy Angelo Reyes, former Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Augusto Syjuco, and former Secretary of Agriculture Arthur Yap.
Others awarded the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross include National Scientist Fe del Mundo and Toyota Motor Corporation Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda.
Recipients of the Order of Sikatuna include Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Francis Chua and Toyota Tsusho Corporation Chairman Masaaki Furukawa.





