The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal congratulates Her Excellency Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on her assumption as the new Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, effective 01 July 2025.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. likewise conferred on Secretary Lazaro the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction, for her extraordinary service to Philippine diplomacy and international relations during her oath-taking as Foreign Secretary.
Secretary Lazaro brings to this role four decades of distinguished diplomatic service since joining the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1984. A career diplomat with extensive international experience, she has served as Philippine Ambassador to France, Switzerland, and Monaco, and Consul General in Sydney and Madrid.
Secretary Lazaro has championed the strengthening of bilateral relations with EU member-states and Angola, having led the Philippine delegation during the inaugural Philippines-Angola Political Consultations held on 17 March 2025.
We look forward to her leadership in advancing Philippine foreign policy and fostering meaningful engagement within the international community. END