Secretary Cayetano Lauds DFA for Professionalism in His First Address

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano lauds the men and women of the DFA for their professionalism during his first flag raising ceremony with the Department on May 22.

Secretary Cayetano addresses the DFA press corps at the Carlos P. Garcia Function Room of the DFA Head Office on May 22.

23 May 2017 MANILA — Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano addressed for the first time the members of the Philippine Foreign Service as the country’s top diplomat during the May 22 flag ceremony at the DFA Building in Pasay City.

During his speech, Secretary Cayetano bared his impressions of the Foreign Service, his plans for the Department, and his expectations from the DFA workforce.

“We are here in the Department of Foreign Affairs to build relationships. We are to be the bridge, and we are here to build a nation,” Secretary Cayetano said as he defined the DFA’s mission.

He recalled his previous engagements with various DFA employees when he visited several Philippine Foreign Service Posts as a Senator.

“All around the world, kilala ang DFA sa pagiging professional and I congratulate you for that. It has always been a pleasure to meet our DFA officers and employees abroad because they are the most professional, they’re the most malambing, they’re the most caring, and they will work for you in the evening, Saturday, Sunday, etc. And they will make sure that you are well taken care of.”

He also highlighted the role of the DFA as protector of Filipinos overseas, not just in taking good care of their welfare, but also that of their convenience and comfort.

The Secretary also reminded of the role of every DFA employee as the face of the public. “Tayo po ang mukha ng Pilipinas,” he said reminding the corps how crucial their role is in government and urged everyone to represent the country well.

The Secretary concluded his remark by reminding the DFA officers and staff to put the values and interests of the Filipino at heart in all of their endeavors at work and to help him accomplish the task the president has given him.

Secretary Cayetano, in a press briefing immediately after the flag ceremony, also tackled an array of issues on the Department’s consular services, Philippine relations, and the upcoming visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the Russian Federation from May 22 to 25. END