President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Ma. Theresa Lazaro as the new Secretary of Foreign Affairs, officially succeeding Enrique Manalo.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the leadership changes at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as part of a broader government revamp.

Manalo will serve as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, replacing Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, who has expressed his intention to retire.

The new DFA chief most recently served as undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs.

Lazaro previously served as the Philippine ambassador to Switzerland, France, and Monaco. Before leading diplomatic missions in those countries, she held posts as consul general in Geneva, Switzerland, and Madrid, Spain.

During her tenure as DFA undersecretary, Lazaro represented the Philippines in ASEAN senior officials’ meetings and led key regional negotiations.

She also spearheaded Manila’s dialogue with Beijing on maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea. As the Philippines’ lead negotiator, she helped secure a landmark provisional arrangement with China for the delivery of supplies to Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, aimed at preventing future confrontations.

Order of Sikatuna conferment

In recognition of her leadership and long-standing service as a diplomat, Marcos conferred upon Lazaro the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction.

“In recognition of her distinguished and dedicated service, to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine government. In a career spanning four decades and marked by exemplary leadership, in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy,” Marcos said, reading from the award citation.

The President cited Lazaro’s contributions to foreign policy development, her work in ASEAN, and her accomplishments over a career in diplomacy.

“For her unwavering commitment to the highest standards of diplomatic service, reflecting the core values and interests of the Republic of the Philippines, in the international arena; Have caused to be inscribed in the roster of the Order of Sikatuna The name of Ma. Theresa Parreño Lazaro,” the citation read.

Established in 1953, the Order of Sikatuna is conferred by the President of the Philippines to recognize individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Republic.

It is also awarded to diplomats, foreign officials, and DFA personnel who have helped foster and strengthen relations between their countries and the Philippines.