In honor of Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Gawad Mabini award is conferred on Filipinos who have rendered distinguished foreign service or helped promote the interests and prestige of the Philippines abroad. Dakilang Kamanong is the highest rank out of the three awards under Gawad Mabini.
Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana, received the highest award, Dakilang Kamanong, for effectively and continuously playing an integral role in the improvement of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.
Ambassador Sta. Romana served as PACS President from 2014 to 2016, and currently a member of the PACS Advisory Council.
