Order of Sikatuna Decoration Creation

The Order commemorates the first treaty (Pacto de Sangre) between the Philippines and a foreign country.

The Order is divided into four ranks with specific criteria for each:
1. Raja: Awarded to heads of states, former heads of states, Cabinet secretaries, and diplomats of ambassadorial or equivalent rank for extraordinary foreign relations services.
2. Lakan: Awarded to ambassadors, ministers, officials of equivalent rank, and other distinguished persons for outstanding services in foreign relations.
3. Maginoo: Awarded to senior officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs below ministerial rank, comparable government officials, and deserving private citizens. Filipino government officials must have at least six years of government service.
4. Maharlika: Awarded to junior officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs, government officials, and private citizens deserving the honor. Filipino government officials must have at least four years of government service.

Filipino government officials or employees must meet minimum years of service before qualifying:
- Six years for the Maginoo rank.
- Four years for the Maharlika rank.

The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
In case of posthumous awards, the decoration shall be received by:
- The deceased’s legal heirs;
- If none, the nearest of kin;
- If none, a person designated by the President or the Secretary of Foreign Affairs acting by the President’s authority.

The form, make, design, and manner of wearing the decoration shall be prescribed by the Philippines Heraldry Committee.
Such rules and regulations require approval by the President of the Philippines.

The Order was established by Executive Order No. 571, signed by President Elpidio Quirino on February 27, 1953.
The order is a formal instrument reflecting presidential authority and the importance of foreign relations service recognition in the Philippines.