Vice President Teofisto Guingona
12 July 2002

Today I bow out and say farewell as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Farewell but not fade away.

I intend to pursue the programs agreed upon between the President and myself which we deem beneficial to the Overseas Filipino workers and the nation, as embodied in our joint letter dated July 2.

Pursuant to national interest I shall also assume an active stand on vital issues, after taking a brief vacation from work.

I thank the President for having given me the opportunity to serve in the DFA, I thank its officials and personnel for cooperation extended during my tenure, and I thank the media ? and the people and friends who gave me cheer and comfort in the wake of my departure from the Foreign Service Office. I hope I measured up to their expectation ? and assure all that I will continue to serve, to help in any way I can, as a humble public servant of the nation.