3 February 2004 – Foreign Affairs  Secretary  Delia  Domingo  Albert today paid tribute to the late Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople  during the book launching of Faces of a Global Nation, a compilation of Secretary Ople’s speeches during his stint at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“Faces of a Global Nation is a compendium of Ople’s thoughts during his first year as Foreign Secretary. We are sad that he will not be able to autograph our copies or conduct a press conference on its contents or pose with us for souvenir photos of this memorable occasion,” Secretary Albert said.

“But he must be pleased in heaven to see us honor him, be edified by his ideals, derive inspiration from his legacy of thought. With him, we contemplate the faces our nation and of the world through the windows of his well-honed intellect,” the Secretary added.

According to Secretary Albert, the launching of Faces of a Global Nation could not have come at a better time.  “Today, the late Secretary Ople would have celebrated his 77th birthday.  Despite the loss of such a dignified statesman, his spirit remains with us.  We in the Department of Foreign Affairs continue to be challenged and inspired by his vision of a world-class foreign service,” Secretary Albert said.  END.