28 January 2004 – The Commission on Appointments, chaired by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, today confirmed  the  appointment of  Delia  Domingo Albert  as Secretary  of  Foreign  Affairs.  The Secretary immediately expressed her appreciation to the members of the Committee and pledged to address all the matters that were brought to her attention by the Commission members.

“I would like to thank the honorable members of the Commission on Appointments not only for their confirmation of my appointment, but for their continued interest and concern for our country’s foreign policy,” Secretary Albert said.  “I would also like to thank the Commission for their confirmation of the other appointees to the foreign service as this will ensure continuity in our work,” she added.

Secretary Albert was confirmed together with the following:  National Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Budget and Management Secretary Emilia Boncodin, and Press Secretary Milton Alingod.

Earlier today and prior to her confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, Secretary Albert appeared before the Commission on Appointments’ Committee  on Foreign Relations which was chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson.  During her appearance before the Committee, the Secretary was asked to make sure that the image of the Philippines overseas be given the highest priority.

“Some  members of  the  Committee raised a very  important point,  that our  foreign service  should  always promote the interests and good image of our country.  This is something that I intend to pursue with the utmost vigor,” the Secretary said.

“One  way of  doing  this is  to make sure  that  the  public, the diplomatic community and the international community are well informed of Philippine policies, actions, intentions and development, in a clear and timely manner.  We will continue to reinvigorate our public diplomacy efforts,” the Secretary said.  The Secretary noted that she had made this pledge last Monday when the Department briefed the diplomatic community on Philippine foreign policy. (press release and speech in www.dfa.gov.ph)

During the Committee’s hearing, the point was raised that foreign service posts should be well maintained.  “I completely agree with this recommendation.  Our Embassies, missions and consulates present a lasting and indelible image of our country to the people of the host country.  We will make sure that our posts are properly maintained and that these posts represent our country with dignity and pride,” the Secretary said.  She added that the Department will look into maximizing its available resources towards achieving this end.

The  Secretary  also  sincerely  welcomed  her confirmation,  not  only  because of  the  swift  action  of  the  Commission on her nomination, but also because her confirmation came at the eve of the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Forum for East Asia and Latin America (FEALAC) which the Philippines is hosting starting tomorrow evening.

“We are starting the year with an important diplomatic event that brings together the leaders of East Asia and Latin America in a unique and unparalleled forum,” the Secretary said after her confirmation and as she finalized preparations for hosting the meeting.

“The FEALAC   ministerial meeting  presents our  country  with a  unique  opportunity to  be at the  center of an exceptional engagement between two regions with vast, untapped potentials for economic, social and cultural cooperation.  I am glad that I will be able to welcome the foreign ministers of East Asia and Latin America to this important and historic event with the full confidence and trust of the Commission of Appointments,” Secretary Albert said. END.