House Secretary General Garafil to receive Taiwan’s Order of Brilliant Star

House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria Garafil will receive on Friday, 23 January 2026, the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon—one of the highest civilian decorations conferred by Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Garafil, who now serves as secretary general of the House of Representatives, previously headed the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan before her designation to the House last year.

She will receive the award from Lin Chia-lung, acting on behalf of the government of Taiwan.

The conferment ceremony will be held Friday morning at the Grand Hall on the fifth floor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei.

“With humility, I share this honor with our colleagues and partners who worked tirelessly during my service,” Garafil said in a statement Thursday, 22 January.

“This recognition reflects the work done to strengthen professional and constructive engagement between the Philippines and Taiwan,” she added.

The Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon is among Taiwan’s most prestigious decorations, traditionally bestowed on senior foreign officials and envoys for contributions to diplomatic relations.

Previously, Garafil served as chairperson and resident representative of MECO, the Philippines’ representative office in Taiwan, where she worked to advance bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

A reception will follow the ceremony.