Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 571)
The Order of Sikatuna is a decoration created to be awarded by the President of the Philippines to personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs and to persons and diplomats who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic or have strengthened friendly relations between their country and the Philippines.
The President of the Philippines awards the Order of Sikatuna, but the Secretary of Foreign Affairs may also award it in the name and by the authority of the President.
The Order of Sikatuna commemorates the first treaty (Pacto de Sangre) between the Philippines and a foreign country.
The Order of Sikatuna has four ranks: Raja, Lakan, Maginoo, and Maharlika.
The Raja rank is awarded to heads of states, former heads of states, Cabinet secretaries, and diplomats of at least ambassadorial or equivalent rank, Filipino or foreign, for extraordinary services in foreign relations.
The Maginoo rank is awarded to senior officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs below ministerial rank, government officials of the Philippines and foreign countries of similar rank, and deserving private citizens. Filipino government officials must have at least six years of government service to qualify.
Yes, the Order of Sikatuna may be awarded posthumously, and the award shall be received by the legal heirs, nearest kin, or any person designated by the President or Secretary of Foreign Affairs acting for the President.
A Filipino government official or employee must have a minimum of four years of service in the government to be eligible for the Maharlika rank.
The Philippines Heraldry Committee proposes the design, make, and details of the Order of Sikatuna, which must then be approved by the President of the Philippines.
The Order of Sikatuna recognizes individuals who have rendered exceptional or conspicuous services in fomenting, developing, and strengthening friendly relations between the Philippines and other countries.