New DFA official named

President Arroyo has named lawyer Esteban Conejos Jr. as the new foreign affairs undersecretary for migrant workers’ affairs.

He replaces Jose Brillantes who has been ambassador to Ottawa, Canada since Dec. 13.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo administered the oath of office to Conejos, whom he introduced to the OUMWA Executive Director Pedro Chan and his staff.

Conejos, who was born in Ormoc City on Aug. 8, 1950, is married with three children.

He finished his Master of Laws degree in 1980 at Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

He obtained his Bachelor of Laws in 1974 at the Ateneo de Manila University, and Bachelor of Arts in 1970 at the San Carlos Major Seminary in Cebu City.

He also took up the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security from August-September 2000 at Harvard University.

Before his appointment to the DFA, Conejos served as defense undersecretary for operations, from July 1998 to February 2001.

Among his government posts were:

• Chairman of the board, PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (December 1998-December 2001).

• Chief legal counsel, Presidential Commission on Good Government (1987).

• Special assistant, board of governors, Development Bank of the Philippines (1983-1986).

• Chief litigation counsel, Philippine Ports Authority (1976-1978). — Pia Lee-Brago