PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, who is the new secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Ms. Lazaro replaced Enrique A. Manalo, who was reassigned as the Philippines’ permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.
She had previously served as the DFA’s undersecretary for bilateral relations and Association of Southeast Asian Nations affairs.
The President had also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction to Ms. Lazaro for her “leadership and vital contributions to Philippine foreign policy and diplomacy.”
“In recognition of her distinguished and dedicated service to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Government in a career spanning four decades and marked by exemplary leadership in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy,” according to her citation.
The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit, conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Republic of the Philippines. — Adrian H. Halili