24 August 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo took over the reins of leadership in the DFA declaring that “in the conduct of foreign policy, my guidepost and lodestar is no less that the constitution with its clear mandate 'pursue an independent foreign policy with paramount consideration being national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and right to self determination."

In his keynote address during the turn-over ceremonies held at the Bulwagang Mabini at the DFA, Secretary Romulo said that  “we shall not falter nor flinch in the pursuit of these lofty noble and Filipino goals.”     And in assuming his new cabinet post after serving as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Executive Secretary, Secretary Romulo said he “expects and welcomes this rare opportunity and challenge to serve the Department charged with what a diplomat-statesman once called 'the vast external realm' with 'alien knowledge.'”

“I thank the President for her trust and confidence," the Secretary declared.

The Secretary cited the 8 realities of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as an important consideration in the conduct and shaping of Philippine foreign policy.

"These realities simply remind us that the era of living 'in splendid isolation' is forever gone," he said. "In every nook and corner of the globe, a Filipino is struggling to survive and make a living. In the conduct of these most delicate and sensitive tasks, I certainly cannot or expect to do it alone. Like Horatio at the bridge, I shall need two strong sentinels with me all the way: the President as the Chief architect who has the last word on  foreign policy and;  the men and women of the DFA here and those in the 82 posts all over the globe."

"Together, let us work hand in hand with the leaders and peoples around the globe that we might during our lifetime,'tame the savagery of men and make gentle the life of this world,'" Secretary Romulo concluded, quoting the Greek dramatist Aeschylus.

During the morning’s turn-over ceremonies, Secretary Romulo received from Secretary Delia Domingo Albert the flag of the DFA, symbolizing the passing on of the Department’s leadership.    Secretary Romulo lauded Secretary Albert for doing “an outstanding job” during her eight month tenure.

“Secretary Albert has been a staunch ally of our peace process.  She has ensured the cooperation or our partners for peace, namely Malaysia and Norway,   She has brought the Philippines closer to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, she has brought international support and assistance to critical areas of Mindanao, and she has mobilized the women of Mindanao as vital instruments of peace.   Secretary Albert ensured the orderly conduct of our overseas absentee voting, and led the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and the women foreign ministers in adopting measures that would protect women migrant workers.  Secretary Albert’s handling of the Iraq hostage crisis was superb – at her post throughout the crisis even during the wee hours of the morning and up again at the crack of dawn.”

For her part, Secretary Albert bid 'thank you' to her DFA family for their support during her tenure as SFA.    "Your recognition of that 'great swing' and 'new drive' would not have been possible without your above par performance and winning team spirit. I have every confidence that you will continue with your outstanding work and service under the leadership of Secretary Romulo," Secretary Albert said. "I leave the position of honor that I have strived to give credit to for the last nine months, but I remain with our. Fortunately, I still belong to the ranks of career officers of our Service."

She recounted the career of Secretary Romulo, citing his achievements in Public service.

"Keenly attuned to the President's mental wave length, Secretary Romulo is confidently poised to pursue her eight diplomatic realities; to bolster the three pillars of Philippine diplomacy; and to meet the multi-faceted challenges of international relations-wisely, prudently, firmly committed to the national interests of our people," Secretary Albert said. "Led by a man of such intellectual caliber, such education, such experience, we in the premier Department of our Government will, I am sure, as true and stalwart professionals, live up splendidly to our world-class aspirations."

Present during the turn-over ceremonies were DFA Undersecretaries Franklin M. Ebdalin, Sonia C. Brady, Edsel T. Custodio, Jose S. Brilliantes, and Rafael E. Seguis. The Assistant Secretaries, Officers and staff were also present to witness the ceremony.

After the turn-over rites, Secretary Romulo met the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries at the Carlos P. Garcia conference room for a briefing on the functional and geographic concerns of the DFA- END