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.