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CA confirms Aliling, Lazaro as DSHUD, DFA secretaries

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday approved the ad interim appointment of Jose Ramon Aliling as the secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD). This came after the CA human settlements and urban development endorsed to the plenary the appointment of Aliling. Senator Joel Villanueva sponsored Aliling's confirmation, describing him as a 'visionary leader' and a 'trailblazer' in the construction industry. 'Secretary Aliling embodies the qualities of a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and a compassionate advocate for the Filipino people,' Villanueva said. 'His appointment stands as both a recognition of his expertise and a promise of empowering leadership in addressing housing challenges,' he added. Aliling, a licensed civil engineer, replaced ex-DSHUD Secretary Jerry Alcuzar following a major reshuffling of the Cabinet members of the Marcos administration in May. Prior to his appointment, he led the Jose Aliling Construction Management Group and served as DSHUD undersecretary from 2022 to 2023. He was also named one of the Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) awardees in 2015. DFA The CA also confirmed the ad interim appointment of Ma. Theresa Lazaro as the secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Senator Jinggoy Estrada sponsored Lazaro's appointment, calling her a 'paragon of excellence in the Philippine Foreign Service,' as he cited her four decades of experience as a career diplomat. 'Ms. Theresa Lazaro has proven herself worthy of this critical role. She posseses the gravitas, wisdom, and commitment that the post demands,' Estrada said. Lazaro, the country's top negotiator to China and ASEAN, replaced former DFA chief Enrique Manalo in May after the latter returned to his former post as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Lazaro is the second female career diplomat appointed as DFA Secretary after Delia Domingo Albert in 2003. She has held various key positions in the DFA including as ambassador to France, Switzerland, and Monaco. She also served as a permanent delegate to UNESCO and was appointed as undersecretary of the DFA bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs. Meanwhile, the CA also confirmed the appointments of 119 generals, flag officers, and senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 59 DFA officials. —VAL, GMA Integrated News