Ambassador Apolinario L. Lozada Jr., 68

31 July 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs announces with deep sorrow the demise of Ambassador Apolinario Lozada, Jr. today at the age of 68.

“I join the men and women of the Foreign Service in mourning the passing of an astute diplomat and legislator in Ambassador Lozada. I send my condolences and prayers to his family and friends in this time of great sadness,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano said.

“Ambassador Lozada and I were good friends and seatmates during the 11th Congress in 1998. I will always remember him as one who championed the welfare of our diplomats and kababayan abroad,” Secretary Cayetano said.

“It is my hope that his contributions to the country and for Filipinos will never be forgotten,” the Secretary added.

Ambassador Lozada had a storied career in the Foreign Service, serving as ambassador to Palau in 1998. He was also posted to the Holy See, Vienna, and Baghdad. In recognition of his contributions in the Foreign Service, he was bestowed the Felipe Agoncillo Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

In 1998, he was elected as Representative of the 5th District of Negros Occidental, where he served as the voice of the DFA and overseas Filipinos. As chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, Ambassador Lozada sponsored the bills that became the Dual Citizenship Law and the Overseas Absentee Voting Law.

Ambassador Lozada also served in Malacañang Palace as Appointments Secretary and Chief of Protocol to then President Fidel V. Ramos.

Born on 17 August 1949 in Quezon City, Ambassador Lozada holds a master’s degree in Physics from the Silliman University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines and a bachelor of science degree in Mathematics from De La Salle University. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Interment details will be announced later. END