PH pushing ‘proactive diplomacy,’ says DFA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) attributed “proactive diplomacy” to its approach in its aid or assistance to distressed nationals or extracting them from difficult situations.
In January, the country saw the long-awaited release of 17 Filipino seafarers of the MV Galaxy Leader, held captive by the rebel group Houthis for over a year, through active coordination with the Oman government, which ultimately help mediate the extraction.
Manila’s coordinated diplomatic actions with its Omani counterparts again led to the release of nine other Filipino crewmen, who were held by the same group for over five months after attacking the ill-fated MV Eternity C in July.
The DFA also facilitated the safe return of about 700 Filipinos from scam hubs in mainland Southeast Asia throughout the year, including those lured to work in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar.
In its year-ender report, the DFA attributed these feats to active coordination with relevant Philippine agencies and law enforcement offices, complemented by collaboration with foreign counterparts.
The DFA also witnessed a leadership change, with Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro succeeding the now Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Enrique Manalo.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, actively pursued the Philippines’ diplomatic agenda, working with its bilateral, regional, and multilateral partners in addressing common challenges and maximizing shared opportunities,” the DFA said.
“From July to December 2025, the Department was at the forefront of protecting our national interests and promoting an international environment that is friendly to the Philippines and the Filipino people,” it added.
From July to September, Lazaro met with her counterparts and other high-level officials from Oman, Laos, Croatia, Timor-Leste and Palestine.
The Philippines also held successful maritime dialogues with Vietnam, Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan and South Korea.
Summit-level diplomacy
The Marcos administrations’ summit-level diplomacy also secured billions worth of investments and assistance in energy, maritime and economic growth programs.
Following President Marcos’s official visit to the United States in July, the country generated over $21 billion in investment pledges and reduced the US tariff on Philippine goods from 20 percent to 19 percent.
Marcos also led productive visits to India and Cambodia to increase cooperation in defense, tourism, information and communication technology, combating transnational crime and enhanced maritime cooperation.
At the multilateral level, the Philippines continues to reaffirm its strong commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based order.
During the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York last September, Lazaro called for a stronger UN—one that promotes peace, security, climate action and migrant protection.
“There is no alternative to the United Nations. There is no good global order other than one based on international law and the principle of the sovereign equality of states,” Lazaro said.
