Former foreign affairs chief Albert Del Rosario passes away
Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert Del Rosario passed away on Tuesday, April 18. He was 83.
His death was first confirmed in a Twitter post by current DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, who described him as "a consummate diplomat and an inspiring leader" who led the agency "with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service."
DFA also eventually released a statement, adding that its former chief died while he was traveling on his way to San Francisco.
Del Rosario served as the Philippines' top diplomat from 2011 to 2016 before resigning due to health reasons. He was "a staunch advocate of protecting and advancing national security and promoting the rights and welfare of Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad," DFA said.
During his five-year stint under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, Del Rosario led the Philippines to its victory in the fight for sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
Del Rosario represented Manila in the Arbitral Tribunal in the Hague in challenging China's claims over the said waters.
Before becoming a foreign affairs chief, Del Rosario also served as the Philippine ambassador to the United States under the Arroyo administration.
The Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute (ADRi), an independent and international research organization named after him, said the whole institution has the honor "to work with a leader who personified the highest level of statesmanship, integrity, and love of country that has inspired to sustain" its strategically critical advocacies.
For Stratbase ADRi, its chairman "has been a champion of democratic values and a rules-based international order to sustain lasting peace, security and prosperity for all."
"He has fought for an independent foreign policy that prioritizes the interests of the country and of the Filipino people. He believed that diplomacy is a great equalizer in international affairs and that each state had an equal voice in the global community regardless of their political, economic or military capabilities," the institution added.
In his Twitter post, Manalo extended his "deepest condolences to the loved ones of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario."
"You will be missed, Mr. Secretary," he added.