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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Friend to all': DFA renews commitment to deepen global ties under Marcos

'Friend to all': DFA renews commitment to deepen global ties under Marcos

Published Jul 31, 2025 10:01 am
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) backs President Marcos’ “friend to all” foreign policy, emphasizing its commitment to forge relationships and strengthen alliances with the global community.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. confers the Order of Sikatuna on Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in recognition of her decades of service as a career diplomat on July 1, 2025. (Malacañang Photo)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. confers the Order of Sikatuna on Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in recognition of her decades of service as a career diplomat on July 1, 2025. (Malacañang Photo)
“Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na (The President said) we are friends to all and enemies to none. Tunay po na ang diplomasya, ‘yan ang tunay na adikain ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas (diplomacy, that’s the goal of the Department of Foreign Affairs),” DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said during the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions in San Juan City on Wednesday, July 30.

“Kami po siguro ang talagang nagdadala nitong mga salitang ito dahil kami po ang nakikipag-usap sa lahat ng mga bansa sa buong mundo (We carry the weight of these worlds because we engage with all countries in the world),” she added.

She stressed the importance of alliances within the international community, noting that international organizations and like-minded countries have pushed similar agendas—rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes through arbitration—as the Philippines.

“Marami po tayong mga ka-alyansa sa buong mundo na nagbibigay sa atin ng maraming tulong (We have a lot of allies in the world that help us),” Lazaro shared, pointing out assistance for Filipino migrant workers, seafarers, and development needs, such as in infrastructure and defense equipment.

“So, ito po talaga ang pinaka-essence ng ugnayang panlabas at ang aming pakikitungo sa mga maraming bansa. Kaya po medyo, yun ang sinabi ng Pangulo, medyo nakakagaan (So, this is really the essence of foreign affairs and our cooperation with many countries. That’s why what the President said was encouraging),” she added.

Lazaro also said there’s more to look forward in the country’s foreign relations, especially because Manila will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and related meetings next year, where political security issues, economic issues, and socio-cultural issues will be discussed.

The Philippines is also bidding for a non-permanent member seat in the United Nations Security Council, and is currently seeking the support of its allies.

“Pag nakuha po natin yung posisyon na yan (If we get that position), plus the chairship ng ASEAN, this will be a very momentous occasion para sa bayan (for our country),” she stressed.

Related Tags

DFA Tess Lazaro independent foreign policy diplomacy President Marcos
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