DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
P R E S S  S T A T E M E N T
2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                         Tel. No. 834-4000                                                                                   www.dfa.gov.ph

REMARKS OF THE HONORABLE DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

AT THE RECEPTION FOR NEWLY CONFIRMED AMBASSADORS AND OFFICERS
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
21 NOVEMBER 2005, BULWAGANG BLAS F. OPLE, DFA

This is certainly one of the most pleasant undertakings that I have to make.

I am deeply pleased to host this reception today and to be in the distinguished company of my colleagues in the Department.

Today, this hall is redolent with history and significance as it is honored by the presence of those whose experience and expertise have contributed greatly to the development of the Department through the years.

I speak, of course, of those who have just been confirmed as the Philippines’ new Ambassadors to the following countries:

· To China, Ambassador Sonia Brady;
· To the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Susan Castrence;
· To Pakistan, Ambassador Jaime Yambao;
· To Jordan, Ambassador Jose del Rosario, Jr.;
· To France, Ambassador Jose Zaide;
· To Vietnam, Ambassador Estrella Berenguel;
· To Bangladesh, Ambassador Norberto Basilio;
· To Turkey, Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla;
· To Malaysia, Ambassador Victoriano Lecaros;
· To Lebanon, Ambassador Al Francis Bichara; and, last but not the least,
· To Palau, Ambassador Ramoncito Mariño.
I also wish to congratulate the officers who were confirmed, in addition to Ambassador Basilio’s confirmation as Chief of Mission I:
· Acting Secretary Rey Catapang, Chief of Mission II;
· Mr. Domingo Nolasco, Career Minister;
· Mr. Constancio Vingno, Jr., Career Minister;
· Mr. Adelio Cruz, Foreign Service Officer II.
In my 15 months at the Department, I have had the distinct opportunity of working with you and to witness your utmost dedication and commitment to serve our country, as articulated through the implementation of a sound and independent foreign policy.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the cooperation and support you have given me and the entire Department.  I look forward to working closely with you while you are at your respective posts as we continue to pursue the Department’s mandate.  Indeed, looking at this group of new appointees as confirmed, I can truly agree with the President that you represent the best and the brightest in the Foreign Service.

I am confident that your presence at our Posts will further bolster our efforts to protect and promote our national interests for, indeed, our Posts will be in very good and capable hands.

Again, my congratulations and warmest wishes for the success of you, our new Ambassadors and newly confirmed officers.

Godspeed to all of you, and I know that you will carry the colors of the Republic and the Department of Foreign Affairs flying high all the time.

Good day.

END
 
 

/bjg

/jay