Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, the Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia and a proud Baguio City native, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Gawad Mabini Award. On July 5, 2024, during the 126th founding anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), she was conferred with the highest rank of Dakilang Kamanong 'Grand Cross.'
The Gawad Mabini Award: A Mark of Excellence
The Gawad Mabini Award, established by Presidential Decree 490 on June 24, 1974, is one of the highest honors bestowed by the President of the Philippines. It recognizes individuals who have made distinguished contributions or significantly advanced the country's interests both domestically and internationally. This award highlights exceptional service, including outstanding consular work and efforts to promote Philippine interests abroad.
Ambassador Ponce's Distinguished Career
Ambassador Ponce received the award for her notable achievements in advancing Philippine interests through strategic negotiations and expanding maritime dialogue with international partners. Her career includes significant roles such as Senior Special Assistant to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Director for Political Treaties and Economic Treaties, and Minister and Legal Adviser to the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations. Her dedication to upholding the highest standards in foreign service has been a defining aspect of her career.
Educational Achievements and Professional Development
Maria Angela Abrera Ponce obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1998. She furthered her education with a Senior Fellowship in Public Service at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and earned a Master of Laws in Public International Law from University College London, graduating with merit. Her educational and professional journey reflects her commitment to public service and international diplomacy.
Family and Hometown Pride
Ambassador Ponce's achievement is also a source of pride for her family and her hometown of Baguio City. She is the daughter of former City Councilor Napoleon Ponce and Angelica Abrera-Ponce, who reside in Trancoville barangay. Their support has been a cornerstone of her success. The recognition of her accomplishments brings honor not only to her but also to her family and community.
A Celebrated Achievement
The award of the Gawad Mabini to Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce underscores her remarkable contributions to diplomacy and her role in enhancing the Philippines' global stature. This recognition represents a significant milestone in her career and serves as an inspiring example of dedication and excellence in public service, celebrating both her personal achievements and her heritage from Baguio City.
FAQ
1. What is the Gawad Mabini Award and why is it significant?
The Gawad Mabini Award is a prestigious honor given by the President of the Philippines to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country's interests both domestically and internationally. It is one of the highest awards in Philippine diplomacy, recognizing outstanding service and exemplary consular work.
2. Who is Maria Angela Abrera Ponce and what is her achievement?
Maria Angela Abrera Ponce is the Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia from Baguio City. She was recently honored with the 2024 Gawad Mabini Award, receiving the highest rank of Dakilang Kamanong 'Grand Cross' for her distinguished diplomatic service.
3. When did Maria Angela Abrera Ponce receive the Gawad Mabini Award?
Maria Angela Abrera Ponce received the Gawad Mabini Award on July 5, 2024, during the 126th founding anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
4. What are the criteria for receiving the Gawad Mabini Award?
The Gawad Mabini Award is granted to individuals who have rendered distinguished service, promoted the country's interests abroad, and provided exemplary consular services. It acknowledges significant contributions to advancing Philippine interests and upholding the highest standards of foreign service.
5. What roles has Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce held in her career?
Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce has served in various prominent roles including Senior Special Assistant to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Director for Political and Economic Treaties, and Minister and Legal Adviser at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations.
6. What is the significance of the Dakilang Kamanong 'Grand Cross' rank in the Gawad Mabini Award?
The Dakilang Kamanong 'Grand Cross' is the highest rank of the Gawad Mabini Award. It signifies the recipient's exceptional achievements and substantial contributions to the advancement of the Philippines' interests and diplomacy on an international scale.
7. How does Maria Angela Abrera Ponce's educational background support her diplomatic career?
Maria Angela Abrera Ponce's educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines Diliman, a Senior Fellowship at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and a Master of Laws from University College London. These qualifications have provided her with a strong foundation in law and public service, enhancing her effectiveness in diplomatic roles.
8. What impact has Maria Angela Abrera Ponce had on Philippine diplomacy?
Maria Angela Abrera Ponce has significantly impacted Philippine diplomacy through her strategic negotiations, expansion of maritime dialogue, and promotion of the country's interests internationally. Her work has strengthened the Philippines' global position and fostered international cooperation.
9. How does this award reflect on Baguio City and its community?
The Gawad Mabini Award bestowed upon Maria Angela Abrera Ponce reflects positively on Baguio City, highlighting the city's contribution to national and international diplomacy. It brings pride to her hometown and serves as an inspiration to the local community.
10. What was the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the award ceremony?
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) played a central role in the award ceremony, where the Gawad Mabini Award was presented during the commemoration of the DFA's 126th founding anniversary. The DFA organized the event to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of diplomacy.
