27 February 2015 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario was the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) Rotary Year 2014-2015 held yesterday, February 26, at the Manila Polo Club.

Speaking mainly on the Assistance-to-Nationals program of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Secretary expounded on the DFA’s total and sacred commitment to look after the welfare of overseas Filipinos.

“We have been at the forefront of crafting labor and migrant protection policies as we have attended and led various international conferences that formulated and implemented measures against illegal recruitment, human trafficking and other exploitation of labor,” Secretary Del Rosario said.

In a lively open forum, the Secretary likewise shared the DFA’s perspectives on some key issues and concerns confronting the Filipino nation, including the West Philippine Sea and the Mamasapano incident.

Secretary Del Rosario highlighted the advocacies of the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes as the principles guiding the Philippine Government’s position on defending the West Philippine Sea.

He reiterated the Philippine Government’s commitment to the Mindanao Peace Process and stressed the importance of staying the course of peace amid the fallout of the Mamasapano tragedy.

Established in June 1919, the Rotary Club of Manila is the oldest Rotary Club in Asia.  It has a proud heritage of exceptional service to the community and is known for the various recognition awards it gives, such as the annual Journalism Awards, Tourism Awards, Ten Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Awards and the Scientific Inventions, Discoveries &Innovations (SIDI) Awards. END