Former Consul General Elmer G. Cato has formally assumed his new role as Assistant Secretary for Civilian Security of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) after taking his oath of office before Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro on Friday.
Cato, a seasoned diplomat and career officer in the Foreign Service, has served the country in various capacities abroad, including postings in New York, Iraq, Libya, and most recently as Consul General in Milan, Italy.
Cato will head the DFA Office of Civilian Security, which primarily manages issues related to anti/counter-terrorism, transnational crimes, peace and territorial concerns, disaster management, and domestic issues including civil aviation and anti-drug campaigns.
Before his new assignment, Cato served as Consul General in New York and Milan, and as Chargé d’Affaires in Iraq and Libya, where he was widely recognized for his leadership in ensuring the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos in conflict areas.
Beyond his diplomatic service, Cato is also a journalist by profession and was a proud member of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC), one of the oldest and most respected media organizations in the Philippines. His dual background in media and diplomacy has shaped his strong commitment to both national service and public accountability.
In the same ceremony, former Consul General Rhenita Rodriguez of Capas, Tarlac, also took her oath as Assistant Secretary for International Economic Relations. Both Cato and Rodriguez belong to the same Foreign Service batch.
Expressing his gratitude, Cato said he is deeply honored by the trust and confidence given to him by Secretary Lazaro and assured his full commitment to serving the Filipino people.
“As I step into this new role, I pledge to uphold the mandate of the Department and continue working to ensure the safety and security of our people, both here and abroad,” he said.
Cato’s appointment underscores the DFA’s continued commitment to strengthening civilian security and protecting Filipinos worldwide.
