The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, August 1, joined the Filipino nation in grieving the passing of former President Fidel Ramos, who it also described as a "foreign policy" president.
According to the DFA, Ramos shaped the evolution of the agency "by instituting economic diplomacy."
He also initiated the protection of overseas Filipinos as pillars of Philippine foreign policy.
"His visits to foreign countries during his six-year term focused on the post-Cold War opportunities offered in multilateral and economic diplomacy, and raised the profile of the Philippines in the region and globally," DFA added.
The Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act was another "key legacy" of the Ramos administration, DFA also said.
The measure paved the way for "higher standards of protection and the promotion of the welfare of migrant Filipino workers, their families and distressed Filipinos abroad."
Being the son of former Foreign Secretary Narciso Ramos, brother of two diplomats and a member of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea, President Ramos "demonstrated a keen understanding of government service and a strong work ethic that inspired generations of public servants," DFA further said.
"The DFA will always be grateful for his visionary leadership and contributions to Philippine foreign policy," it added.
Meanwhile, DFA Sec. Enrique Manalo also expressed his heartfelt condolences to Ramos' family and loved ones as he said "the nation has lost one of its chief statesmen who implemented systemic reforms to effect change at a critical time for the Philippines."
Manalo said the former leader "will always be remembered by the Department as a visionary in foreign policy. His leadership through the Philippines 2000 steered our country to greater economic heights, with his opening of the Philippine economy and relentless campaigning for the country’s economic potential to the international community."
"His administration instituted the protection of Filipinos overseas with the passing of the Migrant Workers' Act, which empowers Filipino diplomats to attend further to the needs of OFWs," he added, "His contributions to our foreign policy will continue to benefit future generations of Filipinos. The DFA community extends its support and prayers to the Ramos family at this difficult time."