Will people agree with this pronouncement?
Speaking during the 118th foundation anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thu, Jun 24, outgoing President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III stated that “under his administration, in terms of foreign policy, the Philippines was able to reclaim its distinguished stature in the community of nations.”
“Aquino praised career diplomats and staff of the department for improving the image of the country overseas as well as serving Filipinos working abroad,” reports Aries Joseph Hegina on Inquirer.net.
Aquino stated, “Higit sa lahat, nabawi natin ang ating pambansang dangal. Kung dati, tayo ang binabalewalang kasapi ng pandaigdigang komunidad, ngayon isa na tayo sa tinitingalang bansa. Kung dati puro negatibong balita ang bumabandera tungkol sa Pilipinas, ngayon isa na tayo sa laging napupuri.”
(“Most of all, we have reclaimed our national honor. If previously we were brushed aside as a member of the international community, now we are a country others look up to. If before only negative news about the Philippines abound, now we are among those that receive praises.”)
The report noted: “Aquino spoke lengthily about the achievements of the department under former Secretary Albert del Rosario, such as overseeing the evacuation of thousands of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East. Aquino said that as a Cabinet official, Del Rosario was hands-on, as exhibited by his visit to strife-torn Libya to ensure the safety of Filipinos there. Del Rosario, who served as DFA chief since February 24, 2011, resigned last February citing health reasons.”
The report pointed out that “it was under Del Rosario’s leadership that the Philippines staked its claim on disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea by filing a historic case against China.” The case is now pending before an arbitral tribunal at the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.
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