British Queen cites De Ocampo

Former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo. File photo

MANILA, Philippines—Former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo received from United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contribution to the development of UK-Philippines relations for over four decades.

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie recently hosted a dinner for De Ocampo, now recognized as an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, according to a news release from the British Embassy in Manila.

The Order of the British Empire recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service, and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds, the embassy said.

Lillie acknowledged De Ocampo as “a tireless and influential advocate for friendship, business and co-operation between our two island nations.”

He also paid tribute to De Ocampo’s “unstinting and unpaid service” as chairman of the British Alumni Association (BAA) in the Philippines, which he has led for more than 12 years.

“This has significantly raised the reputation and prestige of the UK in the Philippines,” Lillie said.

For his part, De Ocampo said  the recognition “is not only an immeasurably precious one to me for my lifetime but a treasure for my family to have and keep and to pass on to the next generations.”