Guingona classmate is new DFA Usec

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel welcomed economist Sixto Roxas as its new undersecretary for international economic relations vice former Undersecretary Rosario Manalo.

Roxas, a former Ateneo de Manila schoolmate of Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr., took his oath of office before President Arroyo during the regional Cabinet meeting in Malolos, Bulacan on Tuesday.

"I’m here because I want to be useful. Please look upon me as another resource," Roxas said, still sporting the long hair he’s had for the past 10 years.

Roxas, who has 50 years of experience in the private and government sectors, began his career as assistant economist at the Central Bank of the Philippines before he joined the Philippine National Bank.

He is currently the chairman of the Maximo Kalaw Jr. Institute for Sustainable Development, Philippine Institute for Alternative Futures and Preferred Ventures Inc. – Pia Lee-Brago