GOVPH

Remarks of the 

Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

127th DFA Founding Anniversary Celebration

01 July 2025 | Function Halls, DDT

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, 

Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries,

Honorees and Awardees,

Colleagues in the Home Office, our 42 Consular Offices and our 98 Foreign

Service Posts,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat.

Ikinararangal kong batiin kayong lahat bilang bagong Kalihim ng Ugnayang Panlabas. Nais ko kayong pasalamatan sa inyong patuloy na paglilingkod at dedikasyon sa ating minamahal na institusyon. 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.

I also take this opportunity to convey my profound appreciation to my predecessor, The Honorable Enrique A. Manalo, former Secretary for Foreign Affairs and incoming Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, for his distinguished and illustrious years of service in the Department. 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.

As the consummate multilateralist and consensus-builder, SFA Ricky's knowledge of the ins and outs of the UN system is bar none. I look forward to working closely with him as the Philippines pursues a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028, at a crucial juncture when the Council needs to play a more proactive and decisive role in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Secretary Manalo, maraming salamat po.

Colleagues,

For the past 127 years, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 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.

As the face of the Philippine government to the world, we are tasked with representing our country with both conviction and compassion. We are the vehicle by which the Philippine government conducts business with other countries. We safeguard our statehood as well as the dignity of every Filipino.

Throughout all this, we must remain guided by the DFA's core values of patriotism, integrity, professionalism, excellence, and service. Today, we honor our colleagues who embody these values - our awardees and honorees. Exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism and service, they inspire us to continue raising the bar. Our warmest congratulations to the awardees!

As we celebrate 127 years of the Department, may we carry forward the lessons of the past, embrace the responsibilities of the present, and share a future worthy of this institution and the country we serve.

We have much work ahead. But with unity of purpose, our core values in mind, and the whole DFA family standing side-by-side, I am confident that we can face the road ahead with determination, resilience, and the collective spirit that has always defined the Department.

Happy 127th DFA Day! Maraming salamat. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

END