Aquino lauds DFA’s efforts to promote pillars of Philippine foreign policy

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday lauded the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for its achievements, saying the agency’s efforts contributed to the promotion of the Philippine’s national security, strengthening diplomatic and economic relations, and ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipino nationals overseas.

Aquino served as a keynote speaker at the DFA’s celebration of its 114th Foundation day held at the DFA Main Building in Pasay City.

The event was attended by official and employees of the DFA led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.

In his keynote speech, Aquino noted the DFA’s efforts in pushing for a code of conduct to safeguard Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea as he underscored that the country remained open to peaceful resolutions to the conflict.

“Our position is very clear: There are territories that should be taken up for discussion in order to determine the ownership and there are areas that shouldn’t be contested because those are ours. We are always open for a peaceful solution of this issue in accordance with the law and treaties signed by countries in the region,” Aquino said.
Aquino particularly mentioned the DFA’s contribution to safeguard the country’s claim to Benham Rise, which was recognized by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

“This is rich in natural resources like minerals and natural gas that would benefit the next generation. We will push for this aspiration while promoting talk with neighboring countries…,”Aquino said.

Aquino also emphasized the efforts of the DFA and its foreign Service Posts in protecting Filipinos overseas especially during crises, particularly the repatriation efforts for Filipinos in Libya.

“At the height of violence in Lebanon in 2006, six thousand OFWs were evacuated in three months. But in 2011 when the civil war broke out in Libya, more than ten thousand were evacuated in a month. No matter how many times we go back for rescue work,  we will always think of their safety. We are showing the same speed and dedication in evacuating our fellowmen who are trapped in the Syrian conflict and in curbing  human at drug trafficking and illegal recruitment,” Aquino said.

Aquino also expressed support for the DFA’s 2012-2016 strategic plan, saying that the leadership of Foreign Affairs Secretary del Rosario would see that its guidelines and targets would be met.

Aquino particularly noted the increase in the number of career diplomats. He said the current 59 career diplomats represented 84 percent of the total number of ambassadors of the country.

Both Aquino and Del Rosario also congratulated and awarded the Gawad Mabini awardees in the ceremony.

Gawad Mabini, also known as the Honors Code of the Philippines and composed of three ranks namely the Grand Cross (Dakilang Kamanong), Commander (Dakilang Kasugo) and Member (Kasugo), is described as an award conferred to personnel of the DFA and Filipinos for their distinguished services and promotion of the interests of the country at home and overseas.

The awards were also given in commemoration of the 114th birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, which Del Rosario described as the first outstanding Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

This year, the recipients of the Gawad Mabini were all career officials of the DFA.