WE REMEMBER - As I Remember Him

In an article for The Philippine Star, former Foreign Secretary Alberto G Romulo sings his paean to his colleague, the late Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, specifically for the latter’s strong stand against China’s claims on the West Philippine Sea

- 

It all began in the early Sixties when Albert [del Rosario] invited me to join the Manila Jaycees. He brought me to the club and introduced me to his fellow Jaycees, among them past presidents Greg Licaros, Manny Abello and Pepito de Leon. Later in the year, Albert included me in his ticket for the election of Jaycees board members. Led by Albert, I was elected one of the directors together with Sonny Belmonte, Ting Bengzon and Ronnie Buencamino. By acclamation Albert was the choice for the president. This election is memorable to me as it began my later entry into the political arena.

Twenty-three years later, in the Eighties we were celebrating Albert’s 60th birthday. During the celebration, I thanked Albert for introducing me to a friend who helped during my electoral campaign for the Batasang Pambansa. When finally I won a seat in the Batasan, Albert was the first to congratulate me.