New Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo takes up his cabinet post on Tuesday, 24 August 2004, during turn-over ceremonies to be held at the Bulwagang Mabini attended by DFA officials and staff. Outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert will lead the DFA personnel in the welcoming ceremonies and will formally turn-over the DFA flag to Secretary Romulo to symbolize the change of leadership in the Foreign Office.

Secretary Romulo will arrive at the DFA at 7:55 a.m. and will be met at the lobby by DFA officials led by Secretary Albert. They will proceed to the Bulwagang Mabini for the turn-over ceremonies, which will commence at 8:15 a.m. Secretary Albert will deliver her farewell remarks followed by the handing of the DFA flag to Secretary Romulo after which the new Foreign Affairs Secretary will deliver his speech.

After the turn-over ceremonies, Secretary Romulo will begin his first day in office with series of meetings. He will first meet his staff in the Office of the Secretary followed by the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries.

Secretary Romulo will have his introductory meeting with the members of the DFA Media Corps at 4:30 p.m.