Domingo Lucenario Jr. facts for kids

Domingo Domingo Lucenario Jr. (born September 3, 1960 – died May 8, 2015) was an important diplomat from the Philippines. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He served as the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan from April 24, 2013, until his death on May 8, 2015. He sadly passed away in a helicopter crash. Domingo Lucenario Jr. was special because he received three major awards from the Philippine President for his excellent work as a diplomat.

Early Life and Education

Domingo Lucenario Jr. was born in Manila, Philippines, on September 3, 1960. His parents were Domingo Lucenario Sr. and Loreto Domingo.

He studied at San Beda College of Law and became a lawyer in 1984. He also earned a degree in Political Science from Manuel L. Quezon University. He even got a Master's degree in Law from the University of Manila. Later, he studied International Relations in Berlin, Germany, at the Deutsche Stiftung für internationale Entwicklung. He also pursued a higher law degree at the University of Santo Tomas. All this education helped him prepare for his important work as a diplomat.

A Career in Diplomacy

Domingo Lucenario Jr. spent many years working for the Philippines in different countries. He worked at Philippine offices in Hamburg, Germany (1986-1990) and Berlin, Germany (1990-1992). He also served in Canberra, Australia (1996-2000), and Hong Kong SAR (2000-2004).

From 2005 to 2009, he worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines. He was in charge of consular affairs, which means he helped Filipinos living or traveling abroad.

In 2009, he became the Philippine Ambassador to Kenya. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another. While in Kenya, he also represented the Philippines at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat). These are UN groups that work on environmental and city planning issues.

In 2012, President Benigno Aquino III chose him to be the Ambassador to Pakistan. He also served as a "non-resident" Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This means he was the ambassador for these countries but lived in Pakistan. He officially started his role in Pakistan on April 24, 2013.

Special Awards and Honors

Domingo Lucenario Jr. received several important awards for his service. In 2008, he was given the Gawad Mabini and the Order of Lakandula. These are high honors given by the Philippine President for excellent diplomatic service. In 2009, he also received the Order of Sikatuna.

The Spanish Government also honored him with the Isabel La Catolica Award. This was for his efforts in making the relationship between the Philippines and Spain stronger. His old law school, San Beda College of Law, also recognized him as an outstanding former student.

Tragic Passing

On May 8, 2015, Domingo Lucenario Jr. tragically died. He was on a helicopter that crashed in Naltar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The Ambassador of Norway and six other people also passed away in the accident.

Family Life

Domingo Lucenario Jr. was married to Nida Arada Lucenario, who is also a lawyer. They had two daughters and one son.