Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro underscored the century’s-old role of the agency in protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.
Lazaro cites crucial role of DFA in protecting PH sovereignty
Published Jul 3, 2025 03:45 pm
DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro at the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 29, 2025. (Photo from Sec. Lazaro via X post)
In her speech during the 127th DFA Founding Anniversary celebration last July 1, the official thanked DFA officials and personnel for their dedicated service to the institution she described as “the face of the Philippine government to the world.”
“For the past 127 years, the Department of Foreign Affairs has stood as one of the most enduring pillars of the Republic, implementing and charting the course of Philippine foreign policy, fostering friendly relations with our international partners, protecting and assisting our Filipinos overseas, and most importantly, asserting the Philippines as an independent, sovereign nation,” she said.
As the DFA continues to represent the country “with both conviction and compassion,” Lazaro is reminded that the agency remains the “vehicle” that the government uses in dealing with other countries, as well as the “safeguard” of the dignity of every Filipino.
She called on officials and personnel to be guided by the DFA’s core values—patriotism, integrity, professionalism, excellence, and service—as the event also honored the department’s service awardees.
In her first speech as the new head of the Foreign Affairs department, Lazaro turned the spotlight on former DFA secretary Enrique Manalo, the incoming Philippine Representative to the United Nations in New York.
“He led the Department - both as SFA and as Undersecretary for Policy - with a calm, measured and steady hand, bringing consistency and stability to Philippine foreign policy no matter how turbulent the geopolitical arena may be,” she said.
Lazaro also urged her colleagues to help guide her leadership for the benefit of the country and Filipinos.
“Sa aking pag-upo, nais kong hingin ang inyong tulong at suporta upang mapanatiling matatag, marangal at mapagmalasakit ang ating kagawaran, na laging handang tumulong at tumugon sa harap ng ating mga pagsubok (As I lead the agency, I want to ask for your help and support to maintain the strength, dignity, and compassion of the department, that is always ready to help and address the challenges),” she added.