President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday received France’s envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador Marie Fontanel, in a farewell call at the Malacañang to conclude her tour of duty in the country.

For her contributions to strengthening Philippine-French ties, Fontanel was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction.

President Marcos recognized Ambassador Fontanel’s role in advancing defense cooperation, leading to the signing of the Philippines-France Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in March 2026, and for articulating France’s support for a “rules-based international order” with respect to the dispute over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with China.

Furthermore, the citation recognized her efforts in maintaining political and economic relations between Manila and Paris.

“The citation also recognized her efforts to sustain political and economic engagement between Manila and Paris, strengthen trade and investment relations in infrastructure, transportation and energy, and expand Philippine access to sustainable financing through financial and development cooperation,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a news release.

Fontanel also received the citation for fostering people-to-people ties by initiating cultural and educational programs, and nurturing the friendship and mutual appreciation between Filipinos and the French.