Let's stop fighting! Instead let's work together as one nation to make the ASEAN a success. ~Share

I really admire the Thais and the Koreans. When their government asks to them to support their country to make their nation proud, they band and work together. We Filipinos are not known for doing that, there is this crab mentality of pulling each other down. I hope that under the leadership of Duterte, we will truly make a difference this time.

Let's make our country proud by making the ASEAN Summit a success.

But everyone has to do their part to bring honor to the country and that is why Malacanan on Thursday, August 3, issued orders expanding the Order of Lapu-Lapu, and directing all government agencies to support the country's hosting of the 2017 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.



The Order of Lapu-Lapu, previously composed of the Lapu-Lapu, Kalasag, and Kampilan medals, recognizes government employees and private individuals for their invaluable service in relation to the President's campaign or advocacy.

Executive Order (EO) No. 35 expanded the Order of Lapu-Lapu award to four medals.

The Magalong Medal is awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions, the Kalasag Medal is bestowed on those who have lost their lives, the Kampilan Medal is given to those who were seriously injured or have suffered great loss of property, and the Kamagi Award is for those who actively participated in or significantly contributed to an activity related to the campaign or advocacy of the President.

"(A)mong these acts of valor and kindness are some that may be described as extraordinary acts of service and exceptional contributions to the country, the proper recognition of which calls for the revision and expansion of the medals in the Order of Lapu-Lapu to more truly reflect the honor being bestowed on its recipients," EO 35 stated.



Meanwhile, the Palace on the same day released Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22, directing all government agencies, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs), to actively participate in the 2017 ASEAN Summit.

As this year's Chair of the ASEAN, the country will host the Summit and its related activities on November 10-14, 2017.

The Philippines' chairmanship also coincides with the ASEAN's 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated on August 8 across all ASEAN member states.