Republik der Philippinen Botschaft und Ständige Vertretung bei den Internationalen Organisationen in Wien		Repúbliká ng Pilipinas Pásuguán at Pamalagiang Kinatawán sa mga Pangdáigdigang Kalipunán sa Vienna
PRESS RELEASE 08-09		10 June 2009

Philippine Honorary Consul in Salzburg Receives
Presidential Order of Sikatuna

VIENNA - Ambassador Linglingay F. Lacanlale conferred, on behalf of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) to the Philippine Honorary Consul General in Salzburg, Ingr. Peter Franz Wagner on Wednesday, 10 June 2009.

Honorary Consul General Wagner, 72, is one of the longest-serving Philippine honorary consular officials in the world and has fulfilled his duties in the last 28 years with meritorious distinction. He was first appointed in June 1981 during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos and has worked with seven (7) Philippine Ambassadors, including Ambassador Lacanlale on the task of promoting Philippine interests in Austria.

The conferment ceremony took place during a reception in Salzburg to celebrate the 111th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, which was attended by more than 150 guests.

Ambassador Lacanlale cited Honorary Consul General Wagner's many achievements in protecting and promoting the interests and welfare of the Filipinos in Austria, particularly in extending assistance to new migrants to find employment and have confident beginnings in the country.

Ambassador Lacanlale also lauded Wagner's role in serving as bridge of friendship and understanding between the Philippines and Austria. She said, "Our two countries are geographically far apart but he has brought the Philippines closer to Salzburg with his consistent support for the cultural activities of the community, Embassy events in Salzburg such as the display of Philippine lanterns in the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt in December 2007, and the scholarship of Filipino artists in academies in Salzburg."