Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Maryknoll College

  • Bachelor of Laws, College of Law, University of the Philippines

Positions Held in the Foreign Service

  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Philippine Embassy, Paris, France (2014 – 2020)

  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Philippine Embassy, Berne, Switzerland (2008 – 2011)

  • Consul General, Philippine Consulate General, Sydney, Australia (2005 – 2008)

  • Deputy Consul General, Philippine Consulate General, New York, USA (1999 – 2002)

  • Minister and Consul General, Philippine Embassy, Madrid, Spain (1998 – 1999)

  • First Secretary and Consul, Philippine Mission to the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland (1996 – 1998)

  • Second Secretary and Consul, Philippine Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (1988 – 1993)

Positions Held in the Foreign Service

  • Secretary of Foreign Affairs (01 July 2025 to present)

  • Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs (1 June 2021 – 30 June 2025)

  • Assistant Secretary, Office of Consular Affairs (18 January 2021 – 31 May 2021)

  • Assistant Secretary, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (2011 – 2014)

  • Executive Director, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (2002 – 2005)

  • Director, Southeast Asia Division, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (1993 – 1996)

Awards

  • Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kamanong

  • Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction