From around the world, tributes pour in for ex-DFA chief Albert del Rosario

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who led the Philippines in securing the historic ruling that junked China’s sweeping claims over the West Philippine Sea, is remembered as a “staunch advocate” for the security, rights, and welfare of Filipinos in the country and around the world.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said this as it mourned the passing of its former chief on Tuesday, April 18, while en route to San Francisco.

READ: Ex-DFA chief Albert del Rosario dies at 83 

In recalling Del Rosario’s contributions to the Philippines’ foreign affairs, DFA said Del Rosario was “a staunch advocate of protecting and advancing national security and promoting the rights and welfare of Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad.”

READ: The Department of Foreign Affairs "mourns" the death of its former chief whom it referred to as "a staunch advocate of protecting and advancing national security and promoting the rights and welfare of Filipinos both in the PH and abroad." | @BPinlacINQ pic.twitter.com/FBXO9kswlm

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 18, 2023

DFA chief Enrique Manalo had likewise hailed del Rosario for being a “consummate diplomat and an inspiring leader, who led the DFA with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service.”

Del Rosario, who fiercely fought against China’s encroachment over the West Philippine Sea, served as the country’s chief diplomat under the Aquino administration.

Prior to this, he worked as the Philippine Ambassador to the United States.

Mourned by international community

Del Rosario leaves a legacy in foreign relations, which several diplomats underscored as they mourned his death in separate posts over social media.

Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Treybalová Šedivá paid tribute to Del Rosario whom she described as “a source of inspiration” that she learned much from.

“A brilliant diplomat and public servant, Secretary Del Rosario’s dedication to strengthening and deepening ties between the Czech Republic and the Philippines are demonstrated by the various key roles he played in foreign policy, especially between the Philippines and Europe,” the Czech Embassy in Manila also said.

READ: Statement of the Embassy of the Czech Republic on the passing of former @DFAPHL Sec. Albert Del Rosario. pic.twitter.com/CJGtfJGss6

— Czech Embassy in Manila (@CzechinManila) April 18, 2023

Koshikawa Kazuhiko, the Japanese envoy to the Philippines, likewise mourned the death of Del Rosario.

“His contributions to the Philippine–Japan relationship, as symbolized by the conferment of a Japanese Decoration last year and his leadership to uphold the rule of law in the sea, will never be forgotten,” he said.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of former SFA Albert Del Rosario. His contributions to 🇵🇭🇯🇵 relationship as symbolized by the conferment of a Japanese Decoration last year and his leadership to uphold the rule of law in the sea will never been forgotten. pic.twitter.com/TDMf3W2eoC

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) April 18, 2023

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines Luc Veron likewise offered “deepest sympathy” to Del Rosario’s loved ones.

“Soft-spoken but indefatigable diplomat and patriot whose role in strengthening EU – Philippine relations was critical. Rest in peace,” he said.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson honored Del Rosario by citing his “dedication to the Filipino people and his commitment to the US–Philippine relationship.”

The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines joined the chorus of mourning for Del Rosario’s passing.

“Sec. Del Rosario was an outstanding diplomat who was instrumental in expanding Canada – Philippines ties,” it said.

The Embassy pointed out that under the Del Rosario-led DFA, Canada, and the Philippines strengthened its ties “in a wide range of areas, including the promotion of democratic development, international security, and the promotion and protection of human rights.

“Secretary Del Rosario was a staunch advocate of international law and the welfare of migrant workers – two thematic priorities Canada shares with the Philippines,” it further noted.

.@CanEmbPH extends its condolences to the family and friends of the Hon. Albert Del Rosario, former Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary, who passed away today.
Secretary Del Rosario was an outstanding diplomat who was instrumental in expanding Canada-Philippines ties. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/GNdgyJ2dR3

— Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) April 18, 2023

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu said Del Rosario was “a good friend to Australia and did much to deepen Australia – Philippine ties.”

Del Rosario, Yu noted, will be remembered for his commitment to rules-based international order and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

I'm saddened to learn of the death of former @DFAPHL Secretary Albert del Rosario. He was a good friend to Australia, and did much to deepen 🇦🇺🇵🇭 ties. Secretary del Rosario will always be remembered for his support for UNCLOS and the rules-based international order.

— HK Yu PSM (@AusAmbPH) April 18, 2023

The French envoy to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz was also one with Del Rosario’s family and the Filipino people in grieving the longtime diplomat’s death.

“Former foreign secretary attached to international law, charismatic diplomat, he was key in the cooperation between the Philippines and France. Today, France has lost a dear friend,” she said.

France 🇫🇷 presents its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Albert del Rosario and to the Filipino 🇵🇭people. Former foreign secretary, attached to international law, charismatic diplomat, he was key in the cooperation between 🇵🇭 and 🇫🇷. Today 🇫🇷 has lost a dear friend. pic.twitter.com/1Jy7fb6E1D

— Michèle Boccoz (@MBoccoz) April 18, 2023

Laure Beaufils, the British Ambassador to the Philippines and to Palau, said Del Rosario was “a great man, a committed diplomat, and an inspiring public servant.”

“He was a great friend of the British, and we will miss him,” she added.

What sad news.

Secretary Albert del Rosario was a great man, a committed diplomat and an inspiring public servant.

He was a great friend of the 🇬🇧and we will miss him. @ukinphilippines and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/8dXlgypiXl

— Laure Beaufils 🇬🇧 (@LaureBeaufils) April 18, 2023

Also expressing deep sadness over Del Rosario’s death, Ireland’s Ambassador to the Philippines William Carlos recalled crossing paths with the late envoy several times.

“He was a truly inspiring diplomat and public servant,” he said.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario. I had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions and he was a truly inspiring diplomat and public servant.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/qPWnLpAdaO

— William Carlos – Irish Ambassador to 🇵🇭and 🇵🇼 (@IrlAmbManila) April 18, 2023

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