Noy made great strides in advancing Phl's interests - DFA

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino made great strides in advancing the country’s interests through participation in international forums, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Aquino, who initially indicated a reluctance to travel abroad, had his initial engagements as chief architect of Philippine foreign policy on the international stage.

The DFA said the country made great strides when Aquino participated at the 65th UN General Assembly in New York, the 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders Meeting, the signing of the MCA Compact Agreement, pull-aside talks with President Barack Obama and bilateral meetings with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as business meetings promising P2.7-billion worth of investments.

The DFA also cited the President’s state visit to Hanoi, Vietnam and the 17th ASEAN Summit and related summits, where, among others, member-states adopted Aquino’s proposal for an ASEAN Nautical Highway or an ASEAN Ro-Ro to promote further connectivity among the various states and its peoples in the region.

Aquino secured investment pledges worth $3.655 billion from three Japanese companies and made an appeal for the leveling of the playing field on the issuance of travel alerts when he participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Yokohama, Japan.

During his first 100 days in office, Aquino interceded for the lives of Filipinos facing the death penalty in Malaysia and China. 

Under his guidance, government representations continue for the commutation of death sentences in the Middle East.

Distressed OFWs in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jeddah, Maldives and Martinique have been repatriated in addition to seafarers rescued from pirate-infested Somali waters. 

“Our thoughts promptly turn to Filipinos overseas and to the diaspora of relatives and friends making their mark beyond our shores. We admire their perseverance and we are grateful for their contribution to Philippine economic growth,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said.

Romulo paid tribute to the DFA officers and staff and lauded them for a job well done during a Christmas program and breakfast yesterday morning.

“I take this opportunity to thank you for what we all did and accomplished this year – certainly a year of hard and good work, of dedication and of commitment,” he said. 

Romulo also thanked the Foreign Service personnel in 94 Philippine embassies, consulates general and missions who faithfully serve at the frontlines of Philippine diplomacy and consular services.

“We acknowledge the service they provide to the Filipino people,” he said.

The DFA employees’ welfare was also highlighted this year, as the Department facilitated the creation of 340 plantilla items for the foreign service including the position of 15 chiefs of mission, the promotion of 548 personnel as well as initial and promotional appointments of 98 career officers and regularization of 116 contractual personnel.

“Our teamwork has been essential in effectively implementing Philippine foreign policy and in moving us toward achieving our goals. But beyond teamwork, we are more than a team. We are a family,” Romulo stated.

Romulo also urged the officers and staff to continue giving their best and to continue the department’s legacy of tirelessly pursuing the goals of a better Philippines.

The DFA has set its priorities under the thrust of the Aquino administration that Philippine foreign policy begins at home.  

A clear and results-driven domestic policy paves the way for a more effective and successful conduct of foreign policy, which also makes the country a predictable and consistent place for investments.

Romulo highlighted several DFA accomplishments for the year, which included the successful hosting of the Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting (SNAMMM) on Interfaith Dialogue last March, the Philippine presidency of the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the approval of the five-year, $434-million Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Compact proposal for 2010-2014.

Romulo also noted the opening of the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs building at the Aseana Business Park in Parañaque City and the full implementation of the electronic passport (e-passport) system as key achievements for the year.

The DFA said they responded to distress calls of Filipinos overseas and handled cases involving human trafficking, drug smuggling and piracy together with the Philippine government’s network of 63 embassies and 27 consulates around the world.

During the Overseas Absentee Voting administered by foreign service posts this year, the DFA said Filipinos abroad exercised their right to vote thus demonstrating their commitment to democratic ideals. 

“President Aquino’s resolve in bringing about meaningful reforms in governance rekindles our optimism for the future,” Romulo said.