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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'What an honor': Garafil reflects on receiving Taiwan's Order of Brilliant Star

'What an honor': Garafil reflects on receiving Taiwan's Order of Brilliant Star

Published Jan 24, 2026 11:52 am

At A Glance

  • House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil hammered home a message of bridge-building and goodwill after Taiwan conferred to her on Friday, Jan. 23 the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon--one of its highest civilian distinctions.
House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil (Facebook)
House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil (Facebook)


House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil hammered home a message of bridge-building and goodwill after Taiwan conferred to her on Friday, Jan. 23 the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon--one of its highest civilian distinctions.
Garafil--the top non-elected official in the House of Representatives--received the honor as recognition for her past efforts as Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) chairperson and resident representative in strengthening cooperation between Manila and Taipei.
“What an honor! Xie xie, Taiwan and to our friend Dr. Lin Cia Lung for this recognition,” she wrote in a Facebook post, wherein she acknowledged Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin and the host government behind the conferment.
“I receive this distinction on behalf of all those who believe that bridges are stronger than walls, that dialogue is more powerful than division, and that people shine brightest when they work together in goodwill and friendship,” Garafil said.
Garafil says the recognition is a reminder that diplomacy is ultimately about building trust where it matters most--through steady engagement that helps partnerships build stronger economic and people-to-people relationships between the Philippines and Taiwan.
She also singled out the Philippines’ Taiwanese counterpart for helping sustain a working relationship anchored on constant coordination.
“To Rep. Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, our counterpart at TECO, thank you for the dynamic collaboration that led to both Philippines’ and Taiwan’s national development,” Garafil added.
The Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon is among Taiwan’s top civilian honors and is typically bestowed on senior foreign officials and envoys in recognition of contributions to bilateral ties.
“Maraming maraming salamat! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang pagkakaibigan (Thank you very much! Long live the Philippines! Long live friendship),” Garafil added.
Ranking congressmen had earlier noted that Garafil's Taipei trip had been pre-scheduled and had nothing to do with any "sudden political development back home".
The trip became controversial since the secretary general's absence prevented two impeachment complaints agaisnt President Marcos from being officially received by the House of Representatives last Thursday, Jan. 22.
Garafil was able to receive the first impeachment rap filed against Marcos last Monday, Jan. 19. She will report back to work on Monday, Jan. 26 when the House resumes plenary sessions after the month-long holiday recess.
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