H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Zacarias da Costa, was distinguished with University Medal of Honor by AUF

His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs,Dr. Zacarias Albano Da Costa,
on the occasion of receiving the distinguished
University Medal of Honor
In Angeles University Foundation(AUF)- Philippines

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Angeles City, March 19, 2010

Hon. Chairman of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Dr. Emmanuel Y. ANGELES,

Hon. President of AUF, Atty. Joseph Emmanuel L. ANGELES,

Angeles University Foundation Officials and Faculty,

AUF Management Committee,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am deeply honored to accept the DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY MEDAL OF HONOR, and I do so with sincere gratitude. It is humbling, indeed, to stand in this capacity before you who have contributed so much to Timor-Leste in receiving our students at this prestigious University. I am also grateful for the AUF Management Committee for their unanimous decision to confer upon me this such great medal which pave the way to me to be part of AUF family.

Timor-Leste and Philippine share common values of freedom, democracy, social justice and culture. Historically both countries have culture ties of Iberian and Roman Catholic. Even both countries are predominantly Roman Catholic country in Asia.

By sharing similar values, both countries steadily enhance and strengthen relationship. In recent memory, the people of the Philippines have shown their solidarity to the people of Timor-Leste in humanitarian supports through the government since 1999 until today. And currently Philippine supports the effort of Timor-Leste to be member of ASEAN.

Through this special relationship, Timor-Leste and the Philippines have formulated cooperation in several areas. In Marine and Fishery, Diplomatic Service as well as in Academic Cooperation.

As part of the implementation of the agreement, we have sent 109 scholars to study in the Philippines and in fact, 36 of them chose to study in this University. And the government of Timor-Leste is looking forward to increase the number in the future.

I wish to extend my gratitude to the members of the AUF Management Committee who has chosen me for this nomination of the medal of honour. Your gesture reveals, first and foremost, the recognition of the effort to strengthen the cooperation between our two Countries and the two Peoples.

Allow me to address a special word to our Timorese Friends, Hon. Chairman of CHED Dr Emanuel Angeles and Hon. President of Angeles University Foundation, the persons who invite me for being here today with you. My heartfelt gratitude for the sensitivity and in-depth understanding you have always shown towards our Timorese students who need your guidance to succeed their study.

Thank you very much.

H.E. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa was distinguished by the Angeles University Foundation

On March the 19, H.E. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa was distinguished in Philippines by the Angeles University Foundation with the University Medal of Honor.

H.E. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa

Following is the citation :

CITATION

In recognition of his courage and deep sense of nationalism exemplified by his active involvement in the National Council of Timorese Resistance( CNRT)Political Committee that led to the liberation of Timor-Leste from foreign occupation in 1999, and in commendation of his staunch advocacy of freedom and democracy when he served as Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representative to the European Union and International Organizations in Geneva from 1985 to 2000;and as Vice President and Head of the International Relations Department of the Timorese Democratic Union from 1993 -2000;

In praise of his unwavering efforts geared towards nurturing a culture of peace and in promoting international development having served as Inter-Agency Coordinator and Project Administration and Implementation specialist at the Asian Development Bank, and as Advisor on Private Sector Development Projects at the United National Agency for International Development ( USAID);

In sincere acknowledgment of his active participation in community development and poverty alleviation efforts in his capacity as National Vice President of the Timor-Leste Red Cross, and for his heavy involvement in non-governmental organizations, cultural and sports association, and for being part of the UNESCO National Commission of Timor-Leste; and in grateful appreciation of his commitment and resolve to strengthen diplomatic relation between Timor-Leste and Philippines which testament his passion to promote peace and harmony in the Asian regional;

Angeles University Foundation is pleased to confer the

Distinguished University

Medal of Honor

Upon

H.E. Zacarias A. da Costa

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

This 19 days of March,

2010 in Angeles City ,

Philippines