President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially swore in veteran diplomat Ma. Theresa Lazaro was appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) during a ceremony in Malacañang.
Lazaro, a seasoned career diplomat with over four decades of service, replaced Enrique Manalo, who will assume his new role as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations in August.
Before her appointment, Lazaro was awarded the Order of Sikatuna for her diplomatic contributions, including key negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct and the Ayungin Shoal supply arrangement with China.
As the second female career diplomat to lead the DFA, Lazaro emphasized the importance of conviction, compassion, and integrity in representing the Philippines abroad.
She pledged to uphold Philippine foreign policy and collaborate with Manalo in pursuing the country’s bid for a UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 2, 2025
