Your Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen;
The honour which is being conferred on you today, the FICAC Gold Star, is the highest honour of the World Federation of Consuls, given only to distinguished world leaders.
The leadership which you have given to the people of the Philippines has been exemplary. Your Presidency marks a new beginning, not only for the Philippines, but also for the region and the world.
The world is moving in a direction which requires leadership by vision, transcending all boundaries, and the quality leadership with which you are endowed is an essential factor in the 21st century for your country, the region and the world.
The World Federation of Consuls is also by definition, globalist in mission and outlook, and we are therefore honoured to honour you Mr. President, and wish for you continued success and God's richest blessing.
It now gives me great pleasure to confer on you the FICAC Gold Star and ask our Director, Hon. Vince Carlos to read the citation.
