President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed deep appreciation for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for their expertise and knowledge in promoting and protecting the Philippines’ interests in the international community.

Speaking during the DFA’s 125th anniversary celebration at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos hailed the agency’s officials and employees for their exemplary performance in fulfilling their mandate.

Recounting his past encounter with the DFA during the time of his father and namesake, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Chief Executive said the department is “getting better and better and better at their jobs.”

“I’m very, very happy to be able to stand here before you and say that thanks to your very hard work, very skilled work, the great experience that you bring to bear,” he added.

Marcos also gave credit to the DFA for his “successful” overseas trips since he assumed the presidency in June last year.

He said he is “lucky” to get “professional” support from the DFA.

“That’s why when I see these trips that we have been taking, when I see the preparations and how professionally they are done, and how professionally the conduct of these visits go on, with the guidance that I get from our diplomats, our different ambassadors, (Consul Generals), and people in each of the stations, I always feel very well-equipped,” Marcos said.

“All I have to do is make papogi (sure I look good) to everybody because you did the legwork for me already. With that, I hope you realize how appreciative we all are for the very difficult, sometimes extremely complicated, and always quiet work that you do,” he added.

The DFA’s 125th anniversary celebration focuses on the department’s values and goals in upholding the Philippines’ interests since its inception on June 23, 1898.

The anniversary celebration also recognizes the contributions of various employees for their commendable efforts to overseas Filipinos around the world.

Part of the event is the awarding ceremony for the 2023 Gawad Mabini which is conferred on individuals who have shown acts of merit that are reflective of the traditions of the country’s foreign service. (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/dfaphl