The DFA was thus the first government department set up following the establishment of the First Philippine Republic in Malolos, Bulacan. Realizing the need for international recognition to support the legitimacy of his government, Aguinaldo assigned Mabini the difficult task of establishing diplomatic relations with friendly countries. Members of the Hong Kong Junta, a group of Filipino exiles in Hong Kong, served as the country’s envoys for this purpose.

While the First Philippine Republic was short-lived, with a long interregnum spanning American colonial rule and Japanese occupation, the country regained full control of foreign affairs and diplomatic matters on July 4, 1946, when Commonwealth Act No. 732 was passed creating the Department of Foreign Affairs. Shortly thereafter, President Manuel A. Roxas issued on September 16 of that year Executive Order No. 18 providing for the organization and operation of the DFA and the Foreign Service. The main tasks of the DFA were to assist in postwar rehabilitation, formulate policies for investment promotion, and re-establish diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.

From its re-establishment in 1946, the DFA, through several government administrations and under the stewardship of men and women who have solidified the foundations of the Department, has looked after the welfare of the Philippines and its nationals in all its dealings.

As the DFA begins yet another year of its existence, we are confident that it will welcome the challenges and opportunities it faces in an increasingly globalized world.

We congratulate the Department of Foreign Affairs headed by Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, its Officers and Personnel on the occasion of their 107th Anniversary.