09 November 2022 - The Philippine Embassy in Canberra congratulates Ms. Marylin Serrano who was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal by His Excellency Nikenike Vurobaravu, President of the Republic of Vanuatu, at the ceremony held at the Grand Hotel in Port Vila on 02 November 2022.

Ms. Serrano, who served as President of the Vanuatu International Women’s Group (IWG), was recognized for her long-standing, dedicated service to the community and in particular, for her notable role in advocating for women’s and children’s welfare in Vanuatu. Through the IWG, other international events and her own, private endeavors, Ms. Serrano has been instrumental in raising funds for social projects across Vanuatu to help those in need.

The Presidential Medal of the Vanuatu Government is the highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the development and prosperity of the country and its people.

Ms. Serrano is the second Filipino to receive the award. Her husband, the Philippine Honorary Consul General in Vanuatu Mr. Florentino “Bong” Serrano received the same on 30 October 2020. Mr. and Ms. Serrano are the first couple to ever receive this distinction from the Vanuatu government.

Mr. and Ms. Serrano were also the first Filipinos to have been granted the honor of adoption by the Ifira tribe, the biggest in Vanuatu, and from where the current Prime Minister of Vanuatu belongs to. END