MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) extended its condolences Tuesday following the death of Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana, noting the latter’s contribution to the country’s vaccine deals with China.
DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said Sta. Romana and his contributions “cannot be forgotten.”
“Nais po naming ipahatid ang pakikiramay sa pagpanaw ni Ambassador Chito Sta Romana (We want to extend our condolences over the passing of Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana),” Vergeire said at the beginning of DOH’s media briefing.
“Hindi malilimutan ang pumanaw na ambassador dahil sa labis po nitong ginampanan na tungkulin at nakatulong ng husto sa pagiging tulay sa ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Tsina lalo na po’t higit sa negosasyon, at pag-procure at pag-ayos ng mga donasyon ng bakuna dito sa ating bansa,” she added.
(He cannot be forgotten as he was able to help by serving as the bridge between the Philippines and China, especially in the negotiation and procurement of the donated vaccines to the country.)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Sta. Romana’s passing on Tuesday. He was 74.
READ: PH ambassador to China passes away — DFA
The DFA made no mention of the ambassador’s cause of death.
Sta. Romana was appointed as Manila’s top diplomat to China in December 2016 “in recognition of his deep knowledge of China’s history and people.”
“Under his distinguished tenure, Philippine-China relations flourished despite differences; indeed they flowered all the more in maturity and were deeply strengthened. We honor his important legacy of selfless service to the Filipino in the most challenging foreign post,” the DFA said.
READ: Palace mourns passing of PH envoy to China Chito Sta. Romana