The Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan, the highest award of Quezon Province was recently awarded to incoming Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hjayceelyn Quintana in recognition of her efforts and commitment for public service.
In a report from the PH Embassy in the UAE, The award was presented to Ambassador Quintana in ceremonies attended by Sen. Sonny Angara, House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez and Quezon Governor David Suarez at the Queen Margarette Hotel in Lucena City on 16 August 2018.
“As a Quezonian and as a public servant for the past 25 years, I am honored to receive this award named after President Manuel L. Quezon,” Ambassador Quintana said.
A native of Lucena City and Mauban, Ambassador Quintana was recognized for her tireless service to the Filipinos, commitment to public service and excellently representing the Philippines in her various postings in Washington, D. C., China, Ireland and Oman, and until recently as Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs.
“President Quezon made ‘social justice’ the cornerstone of his philosophy and his ‘open door policy’ made the Philippines a safe haven for Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust in the 1930s,” the Ambassador added.
“These are important and inspiring facets of history that make me proud to be a recipient of this award that bears the President’s name,” she stated.
The “Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan” is the highest award given to a native of Quezon who has exemplified the qualities and characteristics of former President Quezon.
