DFA Launches "Storeys of Diplomacy: Stories and Register of Philippine Overseas Government-Owned Properties"

MANILA 19 December 2019 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched the book “Storeys of Diplomacy: Stories and Register of Philippine Overseas Government-Owned Properties” at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel on 13 December 2019.

Published by the Office of Asset Management and Support Services (OAMSS) of the DFA, the book serves as a register and a reference material on all Philippine government properties located outside the country – featuring their history, present use, address, acquisition details and value, among others.

In the Foreword, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said that the book “catalogues a successful property acquisition project of the Department. Each property with the seal of the Republic on its walls and the Philippine flag flying proudly on its premises is proof of public monies put to good use.”

The book launch, which was highlighted by the unveiling of the copies of the book and a symbolic cake cutting ceremony, was witnessed by senior officials of the DFA and DFA-OAMSS personnel. Assistant Secretary for Asset Management and Support Services Medardo G. Macaraig delivered the welcome remarks as Undersecretary for Administration J. Eduardo Malaya, who served as the guest of honor, gave an inspirational message.

Undersecretary Malaya highlighted one of the Filipino values – Bayanihan in his message. “In fact, even the making of this book is a form of Bayanihan, because it was made possible through the contribution of our Foreign Service Posts and the tireless efforts of our Book Committee here in Manila. It may not have been purely an act of volunteerism, but definitely, the late nights in the Department are acts of an unselfish kind of love – for our work, for the Department, and perhaps for the country,” the Undersecretary said.

Prior to the event, a symbolic presentation of the book to Secretary Locsin was held on 09 December 2019 at the DFA with Assistant Secretary Macaraig and the members of the book project team from OAMSS. END

Undersecretary for Administration J. Eduardo Malaya and Assistant Secretary for Asset Management and Support Services Medardo G. Macaraig lead the symbolic cake cutting ceremony during the book launch (DFA Photo by Nilo Palaya)

Heads of DFA Offices with the members of the Book Project Team during the book launch (DFA Photo by Nilo Palaya)

Assistant Secretary for Asset Management and Support Services Medardo G. Macaraig presents the book to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro R. Locsin, Jr. on 09 December 2019 (DFA Photo by Philip Adrian Fernandez)