Former Foreign Affairs Sec. and Stratbase ADR Institute Chairman Ambassador Albert Del Rosario during the”Framework Code of Conduct, One Year After Arbitration” forum held in Manila Polo Club, Makati City in 2017. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — The remains of the late former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario are back in the Philippines from the United States, according to his family on Saturday.
“Today, April 22 at 5:30 a.m., the plane carrying a casket bearing the remains of the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the late Ambassador Albert F. del Rosario, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila. Also on the plane were his wife, Mrs. Margaret Gretchen del Rosario and his sister, Joanne del Rosario. They were met by his children, grandchildren and siblings. A patriot has returned to his beloved family and his home, the Philippines,” said his daughter Inge del Rosario in a statement.
According to his daughter, the 83-year old del Rosario was onboard a plane on Tuesday morning (US time) headed towards San Francisco when he passed away. He had traveled to California for a private devotion to the Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Two doctors on the same flight tried to resuscitate del Rosario but it was too late, said the family.
“Following an investigation by the coroner’s office in San Mateo, California, it was determined that the causes of death of Ambassador del Rosario were cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. He had suffered a massive heart attack. He died in the arms of his wife of more than 60 years, Gretchen,” said Inge del Rosario.
Del Rosario said that her father’s wake will be open for public visitation from Sunday, April 23 to Monday, April 24, at the Chapels of the Santuario de San Antonio in Makati City.
“We ask the Filipino people to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for consolation in our time of grief. We are deeply proud of our former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Albert F. del Rosario, and are grateful for the outpouring of support for the family. Our Papa, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a Patriot, has returned home to our Merciful God and rests now in the arms of our Blessed Mother. He is home to stay,” said Inge del Rosario.
Del Rosario said that her father had been suffering from ailments for the past 20 years, but he persevered with his diplomatic work despite this.
“He lived out a work ethic which was unrelenting and an inspiration to us, his family: till the final week before his death, he continued to go to his office in Makati seven days a week, including Sundays and holidays,” said Inge del Rosario.