Manolo on DFA’s 125th anniversary: ‘Greatest achievements yet to come’

By Rey E. Requejo

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will do more in the coming years as it celebrated its 125th anniversary committed to the realization of the Marcos administration’s “independent foreign policy.”

In a series of activities at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang, which served as venue for the agency’s anniversary celebrations, Manalo thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also attended the event, for sharing the historic venue because it was “truly meaningful.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs has always taken its duty to the first Asian Republic with the deep sense of honor and responsibility. Through the years, Philippine diplomacy has accomplished legacies that every Filipino should be proud of,” Manalo said in his speech.

“And I tell my colleagues in DFA my conviction that our greatest accomplishments have yet to come,” he added.

In thanking Marcos for his leadership as the chief architect of the coun- try’s foreign policy, Manalo stressed the need to “build on the wealth of Philippine diplomatic accomplishments and as a responsible, constructive, engaged, and peaceful regional and international actor while we sustain the trajectory for our rising status in the community of nations.” trains signal hope and give our Filipino commuters something positive to look forward to in their next LRT-1 commute,” he added.

He promised that at “any given time and hour,” DFA officials and staff commit to accomplishing the Marcos administration’s foreign policy and eightpoint economic agenda.

“Rest assured that the department, as one of the first departments of the birth of our Republic, will continue to be driven by patriotism, passion, and national pride as we shape our nation and as our nation helps shape the world around us towards peace, prosperity, humanity, and justice,” Manalo said.

He also recalled that the DFA was one of the first government departments established in the country, with Apolinario Mabini being its first secretary. Manalo said he was honored that Mabini’s descendant, Fredrick Mabini, was present to grace the event.

Starting 20 July 2023, LRT-1 will deploy one Gen-4 train set which will be used for the main line to serve commuters daily.

The deployment will follow the progressive handover of DOT and LRTA to LRMC and the capacity requirement of the system, with one new Gen-4 train set added to the main line every week until December 2023.

Currently, there are 20 4th Generation train sets already in the Philippines, and the remaining 10 train sets are still expected to arrive from Mexico between November 2023 and February 2024. Complete deployment of the 30 train sets on the main line is expected by 04 2024 when the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project opens.

RCBC LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE BANKING PLATFORM. Yuchengcoled Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. launches its cutting-edge digital banking platform, RCBC Pulz, designed to power up user’s financial vitality through speed and efficiency with state-of-the-art technology and hyper-personalized interactions. Gracing the launch are (from left) RCBC Credit Cards president and CEO Arniel Ong, RCBC executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer Lito Villanueva, House of Investments Inc. president Lorenzo Tan, RCBC chairperson Helen Yuchengco-Dee, RCBC president and CEO Eugene Acevedo, Malayan Insurance president and CEO Paolo Abay, and Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. president Richard Lim. The launch is held at Marquis Mall in Bonifacio Global City. Norman Cruz