REMARKS OF H.E. NOLI DE CASTRO
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

 ON THE OCCASION OF THE 108^TH FOUNDATION DAY OF THE DFA

BULWAGANG APOLINARIO MABINI, DFA, PASAY CITY
21 JULY 2006

Ladies and gentlemen: 

I stand before you today to relay the President's personal greetings to the officers and staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of your One-Hundred and Eight Anniversary Celebration. 

“Kaninang umaga ay tinawagan ako ng ating Pangulo upang hilingin na kumatawan sa kanya sa inyong DFA Day Celebration. Ayon sa kanya, hindi siya makakadalo dahil sa isang  biglaang pagpupulong sa palasyo.  Kaya naman mula sa  Pampanga ay pumunta ako rito sa  DFA  Building upang makasama kayo sa pagdiriwang ng inyong Anibersaryo.”  

“Kanina ay inilahad ni Secretary Romulo ang inyong mga nagawa noong nakaraang taon. Bagama’t naging magulo  at maingay ang ating domestic political situation noong isang taon, natutuwa ako dahil  hindi naman naapektuhan ang inyong paglilingkod sa  ating  mga  kapwa pilipino na nasa ibang bansa”.  

Let me therefore take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to all of you for another year of service to our people. 

STRONG REPUBLIC AND NATIONAL INTEREST 

My Friends, I would like to reiterate the three essential and urgent objectives of our foreign policy, as mentioned earlier by Secretary Romulo. These are National Security, Economic Security and Promotion and Protection of the welfare of  Overseas  Filipinos and Migrants 

These objectives show that – clearly - national interest is at the heart of our diplomatic efforts.   Perhaps  the  most  unfortunate thing that can happen to a nation-state is when it becomes unable to promote its interests…because  it is no longer willing to do so. 

Throughout history, we have seen civilizations that rose to power and achieved near-universal state, only to  end  in a period  of decay that led to attacks   from   their   younger   and more aggressive neighbors. 

In those instances, it was as if the source of strength  for these civilizations was lost. 

It is in this context that  our government  has been intently pursuing our dream of a Strong Republic. 

We believe that a Strong Republic will ensure that national interest prevails at all times.   

We want the Filipino  nation to be able and willing to promote the national  interest  not just above local vested interest groups, but also in the community of nations.  

Diplomats  like   you   are   aware that the International Community is like a big marketplace of ideas - where one's  voice  is  often associated  with   how  much   power one can project. 

Well, we may not have the power that comes with economic, political, or military might.   We may  not have the clout that superpowers have.  

But  I am confident that  if  we continue to take the  moral high-ground on issues that affect humanity, our voice will continue to be heard in the International Arena. 

As long as our Republic has the capacity to choose the correct position based on our national values and on our assessment of what is good for humanity and for our people, then we will continue to earn the respect of our Neighbors. 

SUPPORT FROM OUR PEOPLE

One of the hot items in the news today is the plight of our Kababayans  in Lebanon. I  am personally concerned  with the situation   there   because,   as   you are aware, I am also the Presidential  Adviser for  OFW Concerns.  

We have been  briefed by Secretary Romulo on the over-all  plan   for   the   protection   of   our workers   in   Lebanon,   and   on   the actions   that   have   been   taken   by our mission  in  Beirut.  I am  happy to   hear   that 192 Filipinos from Lebanon  will    be    arriving     here tomorrow afternoon.  

Yet, the job is far from over.  I am one with you in praying that no harm  will come to our fellow Filipinos who are still in Lebanon, and that diplomacy will eventually prevail over war.  

“Alam ko na kalimitan ay hindi nauunawaan ng ating mga kababayan kung ano ang inyong ginagawa dito sa DFA. Para sa ordinaryong Pilipino, mahirap nga namang intindihin kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng diplomasya, o ng pakikipag-ugnayan ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa. Subalit   nais   kong   ipaalam   sa inyo na kinikilala naman ng ating mga kababayan ang   inyong    mga nagagawa lalo   na    para    sa    mga Overseas      Filipino      Workers     na nalalagay sa panganib.” 

Let me assure you that we appreciate your silent and constant efforts, and that we are grateful for your service. 

“Muli kong ipinaabot sa inyo ang Isang  mainit na   pagbati,   mula  sa ating Pangulo at mula rin sa akin, sa  inyong  ika-isang  daan at walong anibersaryo.”  

Mabuhay  ang DFA! 

Magandang   tanghali  sa   inyong Lahat. 

/jay

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