New DFA chief named

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has appointed his former Ateneo de Manila classmate Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras as the new head of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said Tuesday.

With the ad interim appointment, Almendras, who will turn 56 on March 12, replaced former Foreign Affairs chief Albert del Rosario, whose resignation took effect yesterday.

The 76-year-old del Rosario tendered his resignation last month, citing health problems.

Almendras, brother of Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, previously served as Energy secretary after being managing director of Ayala Corp. and chief executive officer of the Manila Water Co. Inc.