Undersecretary Sonia Brady,
Undersecretary Chito Brillantes,
Undersecretary Rafael Seguis,
Parents of the newly inducted Foreign Service Officers, Class IV:

Congratulations and welcome to our 19 new Foreign Service Officers.

You certainly have passed one of the toughest exams given by the Philippine government.

And you are now among the select few whom the President has called “the best and brightest in government.”

That reputation is rightly deserved.  In my almost one year as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, I have confirmed that which I had already known – the incomparable professionalism, dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Department, of which you are now part.

You will be following a hallowed tradition of service exemplified by a long line of respected leaders starting with Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Today, we continue to make our modest mark on key global concerns that are of domestic significance.

We are a resonant voice in various global fora on the strategic issues of peace building, interfaith cooperation and dialogue, checking the escalating price of oil, debt relief through debt-for-development conversions, the protection of migrant workers, and the war on terror.

The world has recognized our country’s leadership on these key critical issues.

Thus, while we may not be a global power, we certainly have a global presence: we are in practically every nook and corner of the world.

And with more than seven million Filipinos overseas, our global presence also creates additional opportunities and challenges to protect our nationals and to uphold our national interests.

Last Tuesday, during the commemoration of DFA’s 107th Founding Anniversary, the President cited men and women of the Department for going beyond the call of duty, risking both life and limb to secure the freedom of our hostaged kababayans Angelo de la Cruz and our colleague Angelito Nayan and, lately, Robert Tarongoy.

In the case of Undersecretary Seguis, he stayed almost eight months in Baghdad.  And when we asked him to take a little break, perhaps come back to Manila, he refused because, he said that until the task was finished, he will be there.  That is the kind of public service that is epitomized by our Foreign Service people.

In the case of Afghanistan, Undersecretary Chito Brillantes was there from beginning to end, until we had Lito Nayan, who is also one of us, released.

And, of course, in the case of Angelo de la Cruz, again, Undersecretary Seguis, Undersecretary Brillantes, and all our people who have been involved were there.

The President’s citation underscores our tremendous responsibilities as we implement Philippine foreign policy in a rapidly changing global environment.

It is with these realities that you now join the Department.

You certainly are welcome additions.  You bring to the Department a wealth of experience and expertise that can undoubtedly be harnessed in the service of our nationals and our national interests.

Four of you were already working with the Department when you passed the exams.  A number of you have solid background and training in the legal profession, while others have had graduate education in prestigious universities inside and outside of the country.

Your academic and career performances indicate that you continuously seek to improve yourself and others.

I am convinced that with this very healthy attitude, you will apply yourselves at the Department and harness your experience and expertise towards the goal of protecting and upholding always our national interests.

Now that you have joined the DFA, may you be guided by the basic tenet of public service and work for the best interest of our country.  To paraphrase Confucius, “he who wishes to secure the good of the nation has already secured his own.”

And as you rise through the ranks of the Department, may you also be reminded and challenged by the words of Sir Winston Churchill.  He said:

“Every day you may make progress.  Every step may be fruitful.  Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path.  But this so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”

Once again, congratulations, and welcome to the Department of Foreign Affairs.  END
 

/bjg