The Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, led by Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., organized a ceremony on July 26, 2024, to dedicate the Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario Hall at the Embassy premises. This event was part of the commemoration of the 8th anniversary of the International Arbitral Tribunal on the South China Sea.

The hall was named in honor of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, who played a crucial role in safeguarding the Philippines' rights in the South China Sea. The International Arbitral Tribunal, established under UNCLOS, unanimously ruled against China's historical claims in the South China Sea, declaring them to be illegal. Additionally, it found that China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights and had endangered safety through its vessels.

The Albert F. Del Rosario Hall was dedicated, with Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto leading the ceremony with Mme. Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto. The event began with the national anthem and introduction by Minister and Consul General Juan E. Dayang, Jr., who read the tribute in honor of Secretary Del Rosario. He highlighted Secretary Del Rosario's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and fearless advocacy for Philippine sovereignty, ultimately leading to the arbitration victory in the South China Sea case.

Attaché Wendell Glenn Gaa read Secretary Del Rosario's biography, followed by a testimony from Attaché Clark Galang. Vice Consul and Third Secretary Angela Margaux Tolentino then read Vice Consul and Third Secretary Emile Josef Garcia's testimony. The dedication concluded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Ambassador and Mme—Bensurto, followed by a blessing from Father Seraphin Kazadi.

During the ceremony, Secretary Del Rosario's eldest daughter, Ms. Inge Del Rosario, and granddaughter, Ms. Erika Isleta, shared heartfelt remarks, highlighting the Secretary's love for his country and his unwavering commitment to its national interest. Ms. Erika Isleta also presented three symbolic artworks representing her grandfather's legacy—notably, Mme. Gretchen De Venecia Del Rosario, the late Secretary's widow, virtually attended the ceremony.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Bensurto, a critical member of the Philippine legal team for the South China Sea arbitration case as the lead counsel of the Department of Foreign Affairs, emphasized Secretary Del Rosario's patriotism. He underscored the significance of naming the hall in his honor.  A video was then presented to tribute Secretary Del Rosario's enduring legacy of fearlessly advocating for the Philippines' sovereign rights and displaying steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law. END

The Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario Hall features a prominent portrait of Secretary Del Rosario hanging above the mantle. This portrait serves as a tribute to the legacy and contributions of Secretary Del Rosario within the diplomatic and political spheres of the Philippines.  (Embassy photo)           

Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto leads the singing of the National Anthem with Mme. Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto and members of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, while Fr. Seraphin Kazadi listens. (Embassy Photo)

Minister and Consul General Juan E. Dayang Jr. hosted the dedication of Albert F. Del Rosario Hall at the Philippine Embassy. They read the tribute highlighting Secretary Del Rosario's fearless advocacy for Philippine sovereignty leading to the arbitration victory in the South China Sea case, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. (Embassy photo)

Attaché Wendell Glenn Gaa reads the inspiring biography of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, which delves into his exceptional life and impactful contributions. (Embassy Photo)

Attaché and Communication Officer Clark Galang shares his heartfelt testimony in Filipino language, expressing his experiences working for the late Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario in the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy. (Embassy photo)

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angela Margaux Tolentino reads the testimony of Third Secretary and Vice Consul Emile Josef Garcia, praising Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario's exemplary leadership and commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting peace in the Philippines, especially in the South China Sea, with Minister and Consul-General Juan E. Dayang, Jr. attentively listening. (Embassy photo)

Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr., Mme. Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto, and Rev. Father Seraphin Kazadi joined together to ceremoniously cut the ribbon, symbolizing the official dedication of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario Hall, located within the Embassy premises. (Embassy Photo)

During the dedication of the Albert F. Del Rosario Hall, Rev. Father Seraphin Kazadi from the Meryem Ana Parish Church in Ankara led the prayer, together with Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. and Mme. Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto.  (Embassy photo)

Father Seraphin Kazadi offers a blessing for the Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario Hall, while being assisted by the Cultural Officer and Attaché Vanessa Sumera. (Embassy Photo)

Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. delivered a moving speech paying tribute to the late Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario. He expressed appreciation for the establishment of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario Hall as a symbol of the Secretary’s patriotism and service. The Ambassador thanked the late Secretary's family for participating virtually, specifically Mrs. Gretchen De Venecia Del Rosario, and appreciated Mme's participation. Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto, Reverend Father Seraphin Kazadi, and members of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara. (Embassy photo)