VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — The Philippine Embassy in Madrid, led by Philippine Ambassador for Spain and Andorra H.E. Philippe J. Lhuillier, honored ten of the longest-staying Filipinos in the region, whose decades of hard work and sacrifice have helped foster greater appreciation for Filipinos in their adopted communities.
Established in 2018 by Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier, the Gawad Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Para sa Sampung (10) Pinakamatagal na Pilipino sa Spain at Andorra (Gawad APJL) honors Filipino pioneers who built their lives abroad when settling there was far more challenging than it is today. The 2026 awards were conferred as the Embassy commemorated the 79th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Spain.
“Your sacrifices built the path we walk today. Your legacy will guide the generations that follow,” Ambassador Lhuillier said. “Today, we do more than give awards, we honor stories.” He described the honorees as “living bridges between our peoples,” highlighting their perseverance, hard work, family values, and service to others.
The honorees have lived abroad for 32 to 51 years, with the earliest arrival dating back to 1975. The 2026 awardees are Leticia Vilvar Sareño, 51 years; Perla Lagasca Esteban, 47 years; Cerelina Delmendo Navarro, 46 years; Patricia Pera Pera, 46 years; Adelaida Japson Lobo, 43 years; Wenny Gauran Solano, 42 years; Violeta Abutin Manalo, 41 years; Evelyn Denus Quiamas, 41 years; Fortunato Segundo Desiar, 34 years; and Erlinda Ramos Koo, 32 years.
Behind these years are stories of courage and sacrifice, from overcoming the difficulties of entering and settling in a foreign country to separation from loved ones, homesickness, and building families and communities far from home. Collectively, the honorees represent 423 years of life and experience abroad.
Their greatest legacy is the example they set for generations of Filipinos who followed. Through their hard work, loyalty, respect, and service, they helped foster greater appreciation for Filipinos abroad. By recognizing these kababayans, the Embassy honors not only ten individuals, but a generation of Filipino pioneers whose sacrifices opened doors for those who followed and whose contributions continue to deepen the enduring friendship between the Philippines, Spain, and Andorra.
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