Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Sunday reaffirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) commitment to continue upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the coming year.
Manalo, in his Christmas message, said this would be done by continuously working with the agency’s partners and stakeholders.
Last week, the DFA said the Philippines was “seriously concerned” over the reclamation reportedly being carried out by China at four previously unoccupied features in the Spratly Islands, including two that are claimed by the Philippines, in what “Western officials” said were efforts by Beijing to change the status quo in the South China Sea.
The DFA said the reclamation violated a 2002 agreement between China and Southeast Asian nations not to occupy new features or raise tension in the South China Sea and also the 2016 arbitral award.
For 2023, Manalo also said that the department reaffirms its commitment “to actively maintain its engagement with the international community and advance Philippine interests abroad to ensure a stable and safe political, economic, and social environment for all Filipinos.”
“We shall continue to provide steadfast support to overseas Filipinos and their families with the timely and efficient delivery of consular and assistance-to-nationals services,” he added.
Likewise, Manalo vowed that the DFA would continue to work in “contributing to economic progress, protecting kababayans (countrymen) abroad, and enhancing the standing of the Philippines in the global community of nations.”
The country’s top diplomat also expressed his appreciation to his colleagues in the Philippine foreign service, who, he said, “continue to serve the nation with unparalleled patriotism, excellence, and integrity in the face of changes and unprecedented challenges.”