MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday sponsored a resolution seeking to establish the Philippine Senate Medal of Distinction for Filipinos and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the country.
Zubiri said Proposed Senate Resolution No. 690 would create an award separate from the Senate Medal of Excellence, which he described as reserved for recipients of major international honors such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, A.M. Turing Award, Ramon Magsaysay Award and Olympic medals.
“There are, however, quite a number of truly outstanding Filipinos who have not received those accolades, but have nonetheless made immense contributions to our economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technological development,” Zubiri said in his sponsorship speech.
He said the proposed Medal of Distinction would recognize Filipinos who have excelled in their fields, including athletes who achieve historic victories outside the Olympics, scientists behind medical breakthroughs, artists who promote Filipino culture globally, and humanitarians serving vulnerable communities.
The medal could also be conferred on foreign heads of state and government, diplomats, international leaders and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the Philippines’ bilateral relations and advanced cooperation in areas such as trade, security, science and technology, culture, infrastructure and climate resilience.
Zubiri said the award would require unanimous Senate approval before it could be conferred on any individual.
“This is not an inconsequential award that can be given to any random individual,” he said. “This medal will be selectively awarded, and it will be imbued with the deep gratitude of our institution and our nation.”
Zubiri said the proposed medal would complement, rather than replace, the Senate Medal of Excellence.
He said the distinction would allow the Senate to recognize a broader group of Filipinos and formally honor foreign partners who have contributed to the country’s development.
“This will allow us to celebrate outstanding Filipinos, recognize our foreign champions, and strengthen our national spirit,” Zubiri said.
