Ambassador Cecilia B Rebong brings to the RCP Foundation’s Board of Advisors an exceptional legacy of international diplomacy, distinguished public service, multilateral leadership, and humanitarian advocacy developed over several decades of service at the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, Ambassador Rebong pursued an illustrious diplomatic career encompassing senior appointments within the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President. Among her distinguished assignments were as Chief Coordinator in the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in 2000 to 2001, and again, in 2011 to 2013; Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Chief of Presidential Protocol in 2001 to 2003; Consul General in New York from 2004 to 2010; and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2013 to 2016. Her extensive career also included assignments at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York and the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC. These appointments entrusted her with responsibilities of exceptional national and international significance, encompassing foreign policy coordination, governmental representation, international negotiations, consular leadership, and the advancement of Philippine interests throughout the global diplomatic community.

Particularly noteworthy is Ambassador Rebong’s leadership in multilateral diplomacy which covered international trade and development, humanitarian assistance and humanitarian law, sustainable development, gender equality, migration and development focused on the protection of the rights of migrant workers, climate change and disaster risk reduction and management, labor, health, disarmament and collective security, and the promotion and advancement of human rights. During her tenure in Geneva, she served as Chair of the Geneva chapter of the Group of 77 and China in 2015, representing the collective interests of developing and least developed countries in international deliberations concerning economic and social development. She was also elected Chair of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Support Group; Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum; and served as Co-Chair of the Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative.

As Consul General in New York, she worked to bring the consular services of the Philippine Consulate General closer to the people by expanding the number of areas in the ten Northeast States where consular outreach missions were held. Close relationship with Filipino-American associations was established creating a healthy partnership that helped protect the interests of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, promote Philippine heritage, culture and arts, and uplift the profile of the community. She also focused on economic diplomacy activities like trade, investments and tourism promotion and expansion of Philippine IT/Business Process Outsourcing industry, providing more jobs to Filipinos back home.

Her distinguished service was formally recognized through three Philippine Presidential decorations, namely, the Gawad Mabini with the rank of Dakilang Kamanong (Grand Cross), the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Officer (Orden ng Lakandula, Na May Ranggong Marangal Na Pinuno), and the Presidential Medal of Merit, honors reflecting exceptional contributions to Philippine diplomacy and national service.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ambassador Rebong exemplified the highest traditions of diplomatic leadership, international statesmanship, public responsibility, and service to humanity. Her professional accomplishments reflect an uncommon combination of strategic judgment, institutional knowledge, cross-cultural understanding, and experience navigating complex international relationships and governmental institutions. As a member of the RCP Foundation Board of Advisors, Ambassador Rebong contributes a wealth of diplomatic experience, international perspective, and seasoned leadership that substantially enriches the Foundation’s advisory capabilities. Her exceptional record of public service embodies the principles of responsible leadership, compassionate service, and enduring positive impact that are central to the humanitarian mission of the RCP Foundation.