Go spread the word, RP
envoys told

Filipino diplomats need to project a "strong and positive image about the Philippines," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo yesterday told 71 Philippine Ambassadors and consuls general at the opening of the First Policy Consultations with Heads of Posts at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati.

The three-day consultation seeks to set the policy directions of the Foreign Affairs Department for the next three years.

Romulo said that there is a need to highlight the significant national achievements such as a 27 % increase in exports and 21 % increase in foreign direct investments, record highs for the Philippine stock market, and reduction in borrowings and foreign debt.

He also noted the country’s "successful (and) comprehensive" counter-terrorism strategy, the positive developments in the GRP-MILF peace process, and memberships in the U.N. Security Council, ECOSOC and the new U.N. Human Rights Council.

He also said that Filipino diplomats should be ready to answer the issues of unexplained killings, the increasing bilateral trade with China, and enhancing development of emerging industries such as mining and tourism.