Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro assumed office on 01 July 2025. A career member of the Philippine Foreign Service, she previously served as Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs (2021–2025) and, before that, as Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs (January–May 2021).
Her overseas assignments include Ambassador to France (2014–2020), Ambassador to Switzerland (2008–2011), and Consul General in Sydney (2005–2008). She also served at the Consulate General in New York, the Embassy in Madrid, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, and the Embassy in Bangkok. At the Home Office, she was Assistant Secretary (2011–2014) and Executive Director (2002–2005) of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, and earlier Director of its Southeast Asia Division (1993–1996).
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Maryknoll College and a Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines College of Law. She is a recipient of the Gawad Mabini with the rank of Dakilang Kamanong and the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction.
