DFA FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY
Remarks of
HON. PERFECTO R. YASAY, JR.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
04 July 2016, 8:00 a.m.
Dear colleagues in the DFA,
Mga kasama,
Maayong buntag sa inyong tanan! Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat!
As we sang the Pambansang Awit as the emblem of our nation was being hoisted, I couldn’t help but get emotional.
I felt the collective heartbeat of everyone, realizing the significance of rallying to the Philippine Flag – the same banner that flies at every Embassy and Consulate of the Philippines in many foreign lands. For this reason, these remarks are given not only to those who are gathered here today but to all our countrymen and women posted abroad.
This is no ordinary moment.
Five days ago, on June 30, our nation and the world witnessed the orderly transfer of power in the national leadership. It is yet another proud achievement – and humbling moment – in our country’s history.
On Day 1 of his Presidency, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte spoke of compassion and real change. Malasakit. Tunay na pagbabago. Tinud-ay nga Kausaban.
Before the diplomatic corps, President Duterte underscored our people’s aspirations for a better quality of life. He said that, as a nation, we seek to live in peace and prosperity. He cited the imperative for nations to work together for our collective hopes and to secure a common future.
More than ever, the Philippines’ foreign policy must proceed from our needs and aspirations as a people, while facing the realities in our region, and keeping in step with contemporary global events and developments.
We also have much to do in implementing the President’s directive to all government agencies to streamline and improve services to the public, and for us, most especially our OFWs, from the moment of the recruitment process all the way to their countries of destination in safeguarding their well-being. We must be vigilant in protecting their lawful rights and in providing immediate and adequate assistance as they face difficult, dangerous and vulnerable situations abroad.
For our people, we will make sense of the complex events happening in many parts of the globe. It certainly is not a perfect world – but I must agree, we can make it a better, safer and liveable world.
When I begin my travels soon, I will come face to face with one central truth: We may not have the largest Embassy or Consulate on Embassy row; we may not match the geographic size, economic output and military might of other nations that have their embassies or consulates there.
And yet I am convinced that a Philippine Embassy or Consulate stands proud in any country. Every Embassy and Consulate is manned by people steeped in the highest standards of professionalism; driven by no ordinary dedication; and moved by a fierce love of country. The highest level of excellence must characterize our Foreign Service Corps.
In my first official press conference last week, a reporter asked: “Are you afraid of China?” In answer, I asked a rhetorical question, “Why should we be afraid of China?” The hall fell momentarily silent while reflecting a collective response.
Flashed through my mind were the words, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” I sensed the robust heart of a country that has witnessed acts of courage and valor in times when our shores were invaded, and those times when our sovereignty and freedom were threatened.
We who are engaged in the noble task of diplomacy carry that heart of courage everywhere. We must show it in many areas of cooperation with all nations.
We strictly adhere to the rule of law and be resolute in upholding our sovereignty rights and right of self-determination. We gallantly seek peace, not war.
And yes, we must put it to work in multilateral or bilateral negotiations. And to paraphrase another world leader: “We do not fear to negotiate, and we do not negotiate out of fear.”
On that note, I ask all of you from the lowest to the highest ranks to continue hoping for the best for our country – and doing our best – with unswerving commitment, with non-negotiable patriotism. Truly, in our hands lie the realization of our prosperity and security in a regime of lasting peace.
Without fear of contradiction, I now join the finest people as a partner for change. I am privileged and proud to serve this country, once again, with all of you.
Thank you.
END