DFA launches compilation of Del Rosario’s policy speeches

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched on Friday a compilation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario’s major policy speeches.

The book, entitled “A Principled Foreign Policy: A Collection of Speeches,” centers on the Three Pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy, namely: the protection of national security, promotion of economic diplomacy and protection of overseas Filipinos.

It is also focused on the core values which guide the conduct of the country’s foreign relations.

The speeches aim to raise awareness on the various foreign policy issues affecting the country, giving the reader an overview of the mandate of the DFA and the Philippines’ position on major regional and global issues, including the West Philippine Sea dispute, globalization, climate change, peacekeeping operations and labor migration, among others. It could serve as a good reference material for students, researchers, diplomats and foreign policy analysts.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez expressed hope that the book “will help Filipinos form an informed opinion on matters that could affect our country’s future and encourage them to take a more active role in the promotion of our national interest both here and abroad.”

The Public Information Services Unit of the DFA published the book with the assistance of the Foreign Service Institute. It will be distributed to all Philippine embassies, consulates general and permanent missions, major libraries and other institutions and organizations in the Philippines.