October 30, 2024 (Quezon City) – The Department of National Defense (DND) awarded the Outstanding Achievement Medal (OAM) to Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo, Sr. PA (Res) for his contributions to defense diplomacy, during a ceremony on Wednesday in Camp Aguinaldo.

Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. conferred the award in recognition of Ambassador Lagdameo’s distinguished service and commitment to advancing the nation’s diplomatic and defense interests all over the globe. He praised Ambassador Lagdameo’s dedication to his chosen field, and cited his significant accomplishments in strengthening diplomatic and defense relations between the Philippines and other nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Now, we are going to follow up on what he has planted before, because of increased and enhanced defense relations with at least the United Kingdom and with Spain, of which we continue to have our permanent DAFA (Defense and Armed Forces Attaché) for Europe,” Secretary Teodoro stated.

Secretary Teodoro also noted Ambassador Lagdameo’s efforts to position the Philippines for a United Nations Security Council seat in 2026, advocating for international peace and security in the face of aggressive actions in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

“With the groundwork laid by Ambassador Lagdameo, we continue to partner with him for engagement with the United Nations and to make use of it as an enforcement mechanism for international law. On that basis, we can have a sustainable peace in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Secretary Teodoro expressed confidence that Ambassador Lagdameo’s contributions will ensure the Philippines’ continued advocacy for peace, security, and adherence to international law.

“We can sleep soundly because the voice of the President resonates with his personal representative, Ambassador Lagdameo. Hence, all the support that Ambassador Lagdameo needs for us to fulfill our mission to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country, we should give. And this is a small token of our appreciation for his services,” he concluded.