(Orden ni Sikatuna). Instituted in 1953. A silver-gilt badge in the shape of a red enamel Maltese cross with white enamel border, with a sea-lion emerging from dark red enamel waves between the four arms of the cross, the center medallion presenting a white enamel field with a small eight armed Philippine sun above two arms both of which hold daggers that drop blood into a cup resting on a treaty parchment scroll, the medallion is in a red enamel surround, the reverse in embossed REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SIKATUNA MAHRALIKA in the center and is otherwise plain, measures 48.07mm (w) x 61.12mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 63.0 grams, light staining to enamel, evidence of contact, dark red enamel in the waves should be blue, overall near very fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. It is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines, upon diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines, or upon personnel of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both in the Home Office and in the Foreign Service. The treaty parchment paper represents the Blood Compact made between Raja Sikatuna of Bohol and the Spanish conquistador Migel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565. The Member (MS) (Maharlika) was conferred upon a Third Secretary, Vice Consul, Attaché, Principal Assistant, or other person of a similar or equivalent rank.