Study Room, Malacañan Palace
July 1, 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, on outgoing Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in a simple ceremony at Malacañan Palace.

The recognition honored her contributions to the country’s foreign relations and her efforts to strengthen ties between the Philippines and other nations.

Following the conferment, President Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to the veteran diplomat as the new DFA Secretary, replacing Secretary Enrique Manalo who will serve as the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN).

Secretary Lazaro becomes the second female career diplomat appointed as DFA Secretary after Delia Domingo Albert in 2003. With over four (4) decades of diplomatic experience, she pledged to further strengthen the country’s global standing, particularly as the Philippines prepares to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026 and pursue a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2027–2028.

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