Outgoing DFA chief cites reforms for OFWs, improved foreign policy

By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
OUTGOING Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano cited improvements in the government’s regard toward issues concerning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during his stint as the country’s top diplomat.
“It is with great pride and humility that I have played a part in articulating the independent foreign policy contained in the Philippine Constitution as a sovereign will of the people as interpreted by President Duterte. I’m also so much privileged to change the attitude of government when it comes to overseas Filipinos workers,” Mr. Cayetano said on Monday in his farewell speech before Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel at their headquarters in Pasay City.
He said the Philippines has become braver in dealing with countries hosting OFWs regarding the welfare and dignity of Filipino migrant workers.
“We are already fed up of being told that beggars can’t be choosers. No, we can choose where we want to send Filipino workers. You treat us well and they want to work there, we will support our Filipino workers. But if you don’t treat them well, we don’t have to choose you. We are not beggars,” Mr. Cayetano said.
“We are people with dignity who are willing to help the world, to build different countries, to contribute to household, to raise your children, but as the President said, ‘never to be slaves,’” he added.
He also noted the reforms in the passport system on his watch as DFA chief. He said nine consular offices will be opened in the country year to accommodate more applicants. He said the waiting time for getting a passport appointment has shortened to one to three weeks from the previous eight to 12 weeks. He added that he has instructed DFA Undersecretary Joel Montales to provide more appointment slots, especially in Davao and Cebu.
Mr. Cayetano said Permanent Representative to the United Nations Teodoro “Teddyboy” L. Locsin, Jr. will take over as Foreign Affairs Secretary on Wednesday while he pursues his plans to run for representative of Taguig-Pateros. He said he is scheduled to meet with Mr. Locsin on Monday evening. Mr. Cayetano is expected to brief Mr. Locsin on such matters as the administration’s “friends to all, enemies to none” foreign policy and the planned joint exploration with China on South China Sea.
“And in our new friends compared to old allies and friends, there are many agreements that we’ve been working on and one of this is the joint exploration but it shouldn’t be taken by itself. We have been discussing Coast Guard to Coast Guard agreement, the marine environment protection agreement. So we’re finding ways to make South China Sea and West Philippine Sea as an area of cooperation of peace rather than an area of confrontation and conflict,” Mr. Cayetano told reporters.