Metro Manila, Philippines – Veteran diplomat Theresa P. Lazaro formally assumed her post as Secretary of Foreign Affairs on Monday, July 1, coinciding with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) 127th founding anniversary.
The symbolic turnover was held at the DFA’s temporary headquarters at DoubleDragon Plaza in Pasay City, where outgoing Secretary Enrique A. Manalo passed the reins of the department to Lazaro, one of the country’s most senior career diplomats.In her inaugural speech, Lazaro called on DFA personnel to support her leadership and help strengthen the institution’s commitment to the country’s diplomatic goals.“Sa aking pag-upo, nais kong hingin ang inyong tulong at suporta para maging magpalaksakit ang ating kagawaran – na handang tumulong,” she said.[Translation: As I take office, I ask for your help and support to make our department more compassionate – ready to serve.]Lazaro pledged to continue implementing the independent foreign policy while upholding national sovereignty, fostering friendly international relations, and protecting Filipinos abroad.“Implementing and charting the course of Philippine foreign policy, fostering friendly relations, assisting our Filipinos, and asserting national sovereignty—these remain at the core of our mission,” she said.Lazaro was undersecretary for bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs. Her decades-long career includes postings in Geneva, Vienna, and Paris, as well as serving as ambassador to France and Austria. She has represented the country in numerous international negotiations, including those on disarmament and regional security.Manalo, who now heads to New York as permanent representative to the United Nations, reflected on the department’s legacy during his farewell message.“I believe we all share in honoring the rich legacy of one of the first institutions established following the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898,” he said.Under Manalo’s watch, the country strengthened relations with allies and international organizations while firmly asserting its position in the West Philippine Sea.
