Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alberto Romulo cited Saturday the important role of Filipino peacekeepers, particularly in the Middle East, as he visited the 324 Filipino peacekeepers at the Golan Heights, the first to be made by a DFA secretary.

Romulo is also the chairman of the Inter-Agency Council on United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations.

“I congratulate the men and women of the 1st Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent in the Golan for effectively shouldering your responsibility as a member of the family of nations in helping keep the peace in this part of the world. You all have made us proud,” Romulo said during the medal parade ceremonies for Filipino peacekeepers serving with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

“We hope that the presence in Golan Heights of Filipino peacekeepers would contribute to the quest for peace in this part of the Middle East,” he said. “We, Filipinos, are friends to all, and it is my hope that the excellent relationship that the Philippines has nurtured over the years with the countries of the region would help make your job here in UNDOF easier.”

Romulo paid tribute to Maj. Gen. Natalio Ecarma III, who formally assumed command of UNDOF last March 1, replacing Austrian Maj. Gen. Wolfgang Jilke. (Madel Sabater)