Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo believes that the agency will do more in the coming years as it celebrated its 125th anniversary on Wednesday, July 19, committed to the realization of the Marcos administration’s “independent foreign policy.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (RTVM screenshot) In a series of festivities at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang, which became the venue for the agency’s celebrations this year, the Foreign Affairs chief thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who also attended the event, for sharing the historic venue because it was “truly meaningful.” “The Department of Foreign Affairs has always taken its duty to the first Asian Republic with the deep sense of honor and responsibility. Through the years, Philippine diplomacy has accomplished legacies that every Filipino should be proud of,” he said in his speech. “And I tell my colleagues in DFA my conviction that our greatest accomplishments have yet to come,” he added. In thanking Marcos for his leadership as the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy, Manalo underscored the need to “build on the wealth of Philippine diplomatic accomplishments and as a responsible, constructive, engaged, and peaceful regional and international actor while we sustain the trajectory for our rising status in the community of nations.” He promised that at “any given time and hour,” DFA officials and staff commit to accomplishing the Marcos administration’s foreign policy and eight-point economic agenda. “Rest assured that the department, as one of the first departments of the birth of our Republic, will continue to be driven by patriotism, passion, and national pride as we shape our nation and as our nation helps shape the world around us towards peace, prosperity, humanity, and justice,” Manalo furthered. During his speech, the official also recalled the Foreign Affairs agency being one of the first government departments established in the country, with Apolinario Mabini being its first secretary. Manalo said he was honored that Mabini’s descendant, Mr. Fredrick Mabini, was there to grace the event.