Former Philippines envoy to Chile named DFA spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has designated former Philippine ambassador to Chile Ma. Teresita Daza as spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA said the new spokesperson, a veteran career diplomat, brings a wealth of experience to her position.

She most recently served as ambassador to Chile, with concurrent jurisdiction over the republics of Ecuador and Peru. She was also Philippine ambassador to India, with concurrent jurisdiction over Nepal, and served as chargé d’affaires and deputy permanent representative at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN in Jakarta.

At the home office, Daza occupied positions in key offices such as at the Office of ASEAN Affairs, Office of Protocol and the Office of the Secretary-Economic Diplomacy Unit.

“I am humbled by this new role and assignment,” Daza said. “With the guidance of Secretary Manalo, I hope to assist in the articulation of our country’s position on various foreign policy issues, while keeping the media, especially the DFA Press Corps, abreast with the work of our Department.”

It has been four years since a DFA secretary last designated a spokesperson, and 18 years since it last had a female spokesperson.

The spokesperson will work alongside the DFA’s Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy.