Tributes continued to pour in for the late former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief Albert del Rosario, who was hailed as a champion of  Philippine sovereignty. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. joined the entire nation in mourning the passing of del Rosario, who died on Tuesday while en route to San Francisco. "I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Secretary del Rosario, who was known for his patriotism and integrity," the President said. "We thank his deep commitment to our national interest and his unwavering devotion to our shared values," he added. The diplomatic community also grieved his death as his works and life "will never be forgotten." The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the agency he led from 2011 to 2016, described him as "a staunch advocate of protecting and advancing national security and promoting the rights and welfare" of Filipinos across the world. Former and present foreign ambassadors in the Philippines also recalled how del Rosario, "a friend," advanced the Philippine relations with their respective countries. The diplomats and embassies of the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, India, Czech Republic, Germany and Australia were among those who paid their tributes. Del Rosario was particularly cited for his support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—the basis of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that affirmed the Philippines' claim over the West Philippine Sea. His colleagues from the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi), a research group named after him, said they were honored to have worked with him as he "personified the highest level of statesmanship, integrity and love of country." "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 said. The whole Aquino family is also extending their condolences and prayers to the del Rosario family. The former foreign affairs chief served the country under the presidency of late former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. In the former president's Facebook fan page, the Aquino family recalled how Noynoy expressed his admiration for del Rosario during his 4th State of the Nation Address in 2013. "Handa nyang ilagay ang sarili sa panganib, dahil alam nyang walang ibang sasaklolo sa Pilipino kundi ang kapwa rin Pilipino. Sa patuloy mong paninindigan para sa ating karapatan, saludo po ako sa inyo, Secretary Albert del Rosario (He was ready to put himself at risk because he knew that nobody else would help Filipinos except his fellow. For your continuous fight for our rights, I salute you, Secretary Albert del Rosario)," the former president said in his SONA. Former Vice President Leni Robredo also expressed grief over his death. She said he was a "patriot" and a "personal friend." "Always soft spoken, mild mannered and very respectful," Robredo described Del Rosario in a Facebook post. "He became a personal friend after that. But when I became Vice President, he always addressed me as Mrs. Vice President, even during casual conversations." Senators paid their respects as well. "We will always hold Secretary ADR in high esteem for his firm diplomacy and dignified demeanor in fighting for the interest of our countrymen," Senator Grace Poe said. Senator Risa Hontiveros remembered his fight for Philippine sovereignty: "It was through Sec. Del Rosario's tutelage that the Philippines won the historic 2016 Arbitral Award, reaffirming our legitimate rights in the West Philippine Sea. This ruling has earned its place in the annals of international law, showing the world that we, a small country, can stand up to a global giant like China, in the name of our hard-won sovereignty." "Sec. Del Rosario's leadership inspired in us the courage and the creativity to fight for our national interest using lawful and diplomatic means," she added.