DFA, UN Officials and Dignitaries Honor Carlos P. Romulo

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Sonia C. Brady and  United Nations Resident Coordinator, a.i. Dr. Zahidul Huque led the diplomatic corps, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other government dignitaries this morning in a wreath-laying ceremony at the tombsite of the late General Carlos P. Romulo at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, to officially open the Philippine celeberation of the United Nations Week. Acting Secretary Brady and Dr. Huque were joined  by Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun and Ms. Beth Day Romulo, the widow of the late General Romulo.

President  Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently issued Proclamation No. 483, dated 06 October 2003, declaring 18-24 October 2003 and every year thereafter as United Nations Week in the Philippines.

The choice of the wreath-laying ceremony as the opening activity of United Nations Week was to pay tribute to a great Filipino, who for a long time embodied, and still does to this day, the commitment of our nation to the ideals and aspirations of the United Nations.

The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by the offering of flowers by the members of the Romulo family, the diplomatic corps, officials of United Nations agencies and other international organizations, and government officials. Dr. Huque then delivered a short message on behalf of the United Nations agencies in Manila.

Acting Secretary Brady also made a brief statement to commemorate the event. In her message, she reaffirmed the Philippine commitment to the cause of peace and the quest for prosperity for all. She also noted that this year’s celebration is particularly significant for the Philippines, which hopes to win a seat in the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term beginning 01 January 2004.

“As we begin our celebration of the 58^th founding anniversary of the United Nations, the Department of Foreign Affairs asks that we pursue for a moment in remembrance of Carlos P. Romulo, and the men and women who toiled and continue to labor for the principles and dreams of the United Nations. We remember in a special way Sergio Vieira de Mello and those who died with him on 19 August 2003. Truly we represent a grateful world in acknowledging all of their contributions to the cause of international peace and human progress,” said Acting Secretary Brady at the conclusion of her remarks. END