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Albert F. Del Rosario
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States of America
Ambassador del Rosario discusses the future of the Asia-Pacific and contemporary Philippine-American relations in that context. The region has been an economic success in terms of reducing poverty and improving the lives of millions. This success arose from the increasing openness of the region to the global economy and to the expansion of trade and investment. At the same time, the Asia-Pacific faces security challenges, including the war on terror, persistent disputes, and the rise of China. However, the region has proven itself resilient in the past and should do so again in the future. There are regional economic and security structures, especially those involving ASEAN, which can be used to enhance regional stability and progress. The United States needs to be actively engaged in this process of regional consultation and cooperation. Although it has security compelling concerns in other regions, the United States must exert political and economic statesmanship to help the Asia-Pacific sustain its progress in the years ahead.
The Philippines and the United States have enjoyed a long traditional friendship out of which an alliance has emerged that is still a mainstay of regional stability. The two countries will be working together to deepen their relations in the security and economic areas. They have a key partnership in fighting terror and will cooperate in strengthening the counter-terror capabilities of the Philippine military and law enforcement. In addition, the Philippines and the United States will explore new ground for expanding bilateral cooperation and commercial linkages. The Philippines has become a major player in global outsourcing, which is a fertile area for future investment endeavors. The Philippines and the United States, however, are more than just allies; they are allied democracies. Filipinos and Americans should keep their shared democratic values in sight when they consider the future of the region.
The Philippine Ambassador to the United States was born in Manila in 1939. He finished his elementary and high school education in New York City and graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics Degree.
Prior to joining government, Ambassador del Rosario's business career for over four decades has spanned the insurance, banking, real estate, shipping, telecommunications, consumer products, retail, pharmaceutical and food industries.
Ambassador del Rosario is currently Chairman of Gotuaco, del Rosario and Associates, Inc., Asia Traders Insurance Corporation, Philippine Center Management Board Inc. (San Francisco and New York), and he serves as Director in numerous companies and non-profit organizations, including Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Infrontier (Philippines) Inc., First Pacific Company, PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (Commissioner) and the Philippine Cancer Society. In addition, the Ambassador headed the development of Pacific Plaza Towers, Metro Pacific Corporation's signature project at Fort Bonifacio. He is also a keen supporter of sports and is the incumbent Chairman of the Korean Hwa Rang Do Martial Arts Association of the Philippines with a 1st Degree Black Belt.
As a leading executive in the private sector, Ambassador del Rosario joined official delegations during the State Visits of H.E. President Corazon C. Aquino to the United States and of President Fidel V. Ramos to Indonesia.
In September of 2004, Ambassador del Rosario was conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu by H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for his outstanding efforts in promoting foreign relations. He also received the Philippine Army Award from President Aquino for his initiatives as Chairman of the Makati Foundation for Education in 1991. In early 2001, he received the Edsa II Heroes Award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in recognition of his efforts in promoting Philippine democracy.
Ambassador del Rosario is married to Gretchen de Venecia. They have five children.
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