Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) — The Department of Foreign Affairs joined the nation in mourning the death of former President Fidel V. Ramos as it honored his contribution to shaping the country’s foreign policy.
The DFA called Ramos a ‘foreign policy president’ for instituting economic diplomacy and the protection of overseas Filipinos as pillars of the country’s foreign policy during his time, in a statement on Monday.
The Ramos Administration also left a legacy to overseas Filipino workers by passing the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act which provided higher standards of protection and the promotion of the welfare of migrant Filipino workers, their families, and distressed Filipinos abroad, it added.
It was during Ramos’ term that Filipina worker Flor Contemplacion was executed in Singapore.
“President Ramos demonstrated a keen understanding of government service and a strong work ethic that inspired generations of public servants,” the DFA said.
Ramos was the son of former Foreign Secretary Narciso R. Ramos and a brother of two diplomats.
CNN Philippines.com