The occasion of the hand-over ceremony of the National Order for Merit, in the rank of Commander, bestowed by the President of Romania, H.E. Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, to former Secretary for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Delia Domingo Albert, was particularly fitting for International Women's Month, observed and celebrated throughout March.
The ceremony, hosted by the Ambassador of Romania, H.E. Răduţa Dana Matache, took place on March 19, 2024, at the Social Lounge of Raffles Hotel in Makati City. In attendance were members of the business, social, and diplomatic circles who are friends of both the honoree and the gracious host.
Ambassador Delia, who began her career in the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1967, became the first female Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines in 2003. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first woman career diplomat to become a Foreign Minister in ASEAN and the rest of Asia.
Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache, in her message aptly entitled "Women Peacemakers Among Us," relayed the illustrious career in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy of Ambassador Delia. She highlighted the various foreign postings Ambassador Delia held as Ambassador, including the chairmanship of the UN Security Council, emphasizing the role of women as peacemakers and peacebuilders. Ambassador Matache even shared the legendary story of how Ambassador Delia succeeded in marrying her love, a German journalist, while retaining her job at a time when Filipina diplomats were required to resign if they married a foreigner.
"Ambassador Delia's career is exemplary, not only for Philippine diplomacy but for any diplomat anywhere in the world. Her commendable work in Romania and her continued commitment to the development of the Philippines-Romania relations led President Klaus Iohannis of Romania to confer upon Amb. Delia Albert the Romanian National Order for Merit, in the Rank of Commander, one of the highest honors bestowed on a foreign diplomat. Amb, Delia is the recipient of other honors and awards but I believe the Romanian National Order is a timely recognition that she values highly," shared Amb. Matache.
In her acceptance speech, Ambassador Delia reminisced about her diplomatic career, reflecting on its beginnings, the individuals who appointed her to significant posts, the missions she served, and the official representations she undertook for her beloved Philippines. She also acknowledged the challenges faced in opening Philippine embassies in countries where she played a role, challenges that were managed quite effectively.
Ambassador Delia expressed deep gratitude for the honor and recognition bestowed upon her. "Thank you, Doamna Ambassadora Raduta Matache, and through you, I thank the President of Romania Domnul Klaus Werner Johannis and the resilient people of Romania for this generous award being conferred upon me tonight. I accept this honor, humbled by the recognition being accorded me. If I am to confess, Romania brought joy, happiness, and meaning to my personal life. Romania remains an affair to remember," she said.
The Honorable Celia Anna Feria, assistant Secretary of the Office of Cultural Diplomacy at the Department of Foreign Affairs, delivered a message on behalf of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. H.E. Luc Véron, head of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, and Mikaela Luisa Carmen Teves, executive director of SPARK Philippines, also offered their testimonials in honor of the distinguished awardee. The ceremony concluded with a special performance dedicated to Amb. Albert by the University of the Philippines-Singing Ambassadors.
