Taiwan Confers High Civilian Decoration on Philippine House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil
In a significant diplomatic ceremony held today, January 23, 2026, the government of Taiwan bestowed one of its highest civilian honors upon a key Philippine official. House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, formerly the Chairperson of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), was awarded the prestigious Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon.
Recognition for Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The award was presented by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung during a formal event at the Grand Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei. This decoration traditionally honors senior foreign officials who have made substantial contributions to Taiwan's diplomatic relations. In this case, it serves as a tribute to Garafil's instrumental role in enhancing cooperation and fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and Taiwan during her tenure as the country's representative.
In a heartfelt statement following the ceremony, Garafil expressed her humility and gratitude. She emphasized that the honor is not solely hers but is shared with her dedicated colleagues who worked tirelessly alongside her throughout her service period. "I accept this award with deep humility and share this recognition with my team, whose unwavering efforts made our achievements possible," she remarked.
Ceremony Attended by Key Officials
The awarding ceremony was a notable event, attended by various officials and representatives from both the Philippine and Taiwanese sides. This gathering underscored the ongoing commitment to mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations. The Order of Brilliant Star, with its Grand Cordon distinction, highlights the importance Taiwan places on its relationship with the Philippines, particularly through Garafil's diplomatic contributions.
This recognition not only celebrates Garafil's past achievements but also reinforces the positive trajectory of Philippines-Taiwan relations. It serves as a reminder of the impactful work done by individuals in fostering international partnerships and advancing shared interests across borders.
