National treasure non pareil.

We do not know how else to pay tribute to a woman of   great substance, an impeccable academician, a great physician, a humanitarian champion, national scientist, and most certainly a great pride of our race.

These big words simply do not measure up to the totality of her greatness.

We are referring to no less than the Mother of Pediatrics in the country – the late Dr. Fe del Mundo — who passed away on August 6 at the age of 99.

We think President Aquino’s words echo the collective sentiment of a grateful nation.

The President has conferred the Order of the Golden Heart with the rank of Grand Collar posthumously on national scientist Fe del Mundo during the state necrological services held at the Department of Science and Technology compound in Bicutan, Taguig.

The Order of the Golden Heart gives official recognition to Filipinos or foreigners that “have rendered distinguished services or given noteworthy monetary or other material aid, encouragement to the campaign for the amelioration and improvement of the moral, social, and economic conditions of the Filipino masses, and for volunteerism in the service of the Filipino masses.”

In his speech, P-Noy said it was his and the country’s honor to bestow such an award on the “Grand Dame of Philippine Pediatrics and Medicine”.

He lauded Del Mundo for her achievements, saying these should serve as inspiration for the birth of “a thousand more Fe del Mundos” who would help improve the lives of Filipinos.

“As the nation mourns the passing of Fe del Mundo, the legacy that she leaves behind gets highlighted in the field of medicine and humanitarian works. The passing of Del Mundo would hopefully signal the birth of a thousand more Fe del Mundos ready to utilize their talent and intelligence to make lives better for Filipinos, not minding the sacrifices that have to be made for public service,” the President  said.

He said Del Mundo reached the peak of her profession, but “she never forgot to serve the people and spend her energy in doing research on solutions for various illnesses.”

P-Noy praised Del Mundo for her selfless service and dedication to uplifting the lives of her countrymen, especially children in the rural areas suffering from diseases.

He earlier conferred the same award on veteran comedian Rodolfo Quizon, popularly known as Dolphy, for his contribution to the local entertainment industry as well as his charitable works.

The late President Ramon Magsaysay established the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart in 1954 and the first awardee was Helen Keller from the United States in 1955.