May 21 – Sydneysider author, historian and former Colombo scholar Mr Renato Perdon who for 27 years was a devoted professional in historical studies and national cultural preservation was among 19 individuals and two organisations honoured yesterday during the celebration of Philippine Australia Friendship Day and National Heritage Month at the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, ACT.
Known as 70th Anniversary Award, the recognition were presented to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia through their chosen advocacies and dedicated services. Amng nineteen individuals and two organisations, Mr Perdon was cited for his contribution in Cultural Diplomacy between Philippines and Australia..
Prior to migrating to Australia, author Renato Perdon worked with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for more than twenty years as historical translator, curator and chief historical researcher.
He also served as consultant for cultural heritage on the Philippines’ Presidential Commission and Culture and the Arts, and as special assistant to the Chairman of the National Historical Institute.
In Australia .he worked as archivist with the Sydney Archives for 17 years before early retirement to concentrate on book writing. Mr Perdon has published articles on history, cultural conservation and heraldry both in the Philippines and in Australia.
Mr Perdon authored more than 10 books on Philippine history, language and culture with the latest publications “Connecting Two Cultures: the Philippines and Australia” (2014) and “The Americanisation of Filipinos” (2016), respectively.
Currently he is the Filipino Section Editor of the Bayanihan News, an Australia-wide newspaper based in Sydney, Australia.
Complete list of awardees: Defence and Cooperation – Major Paul A. Rosenzweig, Ret.; Economic Diplomacy: Autralia and Philippines Business Council;, Mr Arturo Landrito Sta.Barbara;
Cultural Diplomacy, Dr Merlinda Bobis, Atty .Lolita Farmer OAM, Mr Trevor Hogan, Mr Renato Perdon. Mr Christian Ramilo, and Dr Deborah Ruiz Wall OAM;
Community Service – Mrs Miriam Cocking, Mr Alastair Douglas, Dr Darryl Hodgkinson and Mrs Katherine Hodgkinson, Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s Group Inc., Mr Rob and Jean Johnston, Mr Robert Murray, Mrs Rosie Lavadia-Norriss; Rev.Fr Renato Paras, Mr Maurice Schokman, Mrs Perlita Swinbank (posthumous award) and Mr Elvira Tolentino.