SECRETARY ROMULO WELCOMES PHILIPPINE AMBASSADORS AND CONSULS GENERAL 
AT THE FIRST POLICY CONSULTATIONS WITH HEADS OF POSTS 

21 March 2007—Welcoming 71 Philippine Ambassadors and Consuls General from all over the world, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo today formally opened the First Policy Consultations with Heads of Posts at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati City .  

In his opening address, Secretary Romulo stressed the importance of the consultations in the advancement of the Three Pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy.  

“We will take stock of challenges and opportunities.  We aim to adapt to keep pace with new global realities, within the framework of the Three Pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy, covering national development, national security, and the protection of Filipinos overseas.”  He also mentioned the Eight Realities of Philippine Foreign Policy enunciated by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in providing a policy structure for managing Philippine diplomacy in a changing world.  

The First Policy Consultations with Heads of Post was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs to set the policy directions of the Department for the next three years in line with the DFA’s goal of incorporating a pro-active approach for a more relevant and responsive Philippine foreign policy.  

Among the principal areas of discussion is how to strengthen inter-agency and public-private cooperation.  

“Diplomatic success today demands tight coordination, not only within government, but also between public and private sectors.  To effectively pursue the national interest, we must all read from the same page” said Secretary Romulo.  

The Secretary also underscored the need for diplomats to project a strong and positive image about the Philippines and highlight significant national achievements such as a 27% increase in exports and 21% increase in foreign direct investments, record highs for the Philippine stock market, and reduction in borrowings and foreign debt.  He also noted the country’s successful comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, positive developments in the GRP-MILF peace process, and memberships in the U.N. Security Council, ECOSOC and the new U.N. Human Rights Council.  

Among the examples of major representative targets that have to be tracked, Secretary Romulo cited addressing the issue of unexplained killings, increasing bilateral trade with China, and enhancing development of emerging industries such as mining and tourism.  

Meanwhile, DFA Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda F. Basilio elucidated the Objectives, Program and Outcome Documents for the Policy Consultations.   In particular, she set forth the goals of formulating deliverable country programs and work plans for 2007 – 2010, discussing and assessing current DFA policies, exchanging views on the promotion of the Philippine development agenda and the Millennium Development Goals, and exchanging views on the gaps in the implementation of the DFA’s Strategic Plan vis-à-vis current priority areas.  

The tone for the Policy Consultations was set the previous night at the Welcome Dinner hosted by Secretary Romulo. The Secretary cited 2007 as a banner year for the Philippines as an important player in the Asia Pacific region, including the ASEAN Chairmanship and the successful hosting of the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Cebu .   He then called on the Heads of Posts to sustain the momentum and vigorously pursue the Philippine foreign policy objectives as an important vehicle to achieve robust growth, lasting peace and sustainable development.  

With respect to the consultation proper, Secretary Romulo asked the Heads of Posts to review the critical tasks and priorities for their respective posts before each formal session.  

“I believe this will allow each of us to hit the ground running” Secretary Romulo said.  

Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo then kicked off proceedings with his presentation “ Philippines : the Next Success Story in Asia .”   

Secretary Romulo expressed confidence that the top Philippine diplomats are up to the task of continuing the country’s successes, quoting President Arroyo as saying “DFA personnel have time and again shown that you have among the best brains in the country.”  

To this, Secretary Romulo added “Let us now translate our concepts and ideas into actions, deeds and accomplishments.”  

The Policy Consultations will continue until March 23, with talks from heads of government agencies and other key public officials covering such vital themes as Harnessing Economic Diplomacy, Public-Private Partnership for Global Competitiveness, Forging a Just and Lasting Peace, Promoting Philippine Culture for National Development, and Promoting and Protecting the Welfare of Overseas Filipinos. END

/jay

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