JAKARTA Nov. 13 - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the Order of Sikatuna, rank of Raja, on ASEAN Secretary General Rodolfo C. Severino Jr. on Tuesday �for his outstanding service in the field of international relations and diplomacy and for making the Philippines proud by being an exemplary world class international civil servant.� 

The conferment was given during the visit of the Philippine President to the ASEAN Secretariat where she gave a speech on the Philippines� stake in ASEAN.

 The Philippines usually awards the Order of Sikatuna, rank of Rajah, to visiting heads of state.  Mr. Severino is the only Filipino with the distinction of being given this recognition.  The only other non-head of state recipient of this award is former Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas for his role in facilitating the peace process in Southern Philippines.

 The conferment highlighted Mr. Severino�s significant contribution to ASEAN and for guiding the Association through the challenges posed by the 1997-1998 regional financial and economic crisis. The recognition further cited Mr. Severino�s relentless efforts in bringing ASEAN�s message of its commitment to regional peace and prosperity to the people of ASEAN and to the world.

 Mr. Severino is serving his five-year term as Secretary-General of ASEAN since January 1998.  He previously served as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.