Ambassador Gaa feted at historic Blair House in Washington

A February 24, 2011 press release prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs


The Philippine Embassy in Washington reported that Ambassador Willy C. Gaa was given the rare honor of being feted with a farewell reception at the Blair House by the United States State Department on February 18.


In attendance were guests from the diplomatic corps and several officials of the U.S. government agencies.

US State Department Chief of Protocol Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall cited Ambassador Gaa’s numerous accomplishments as the Philippines’ top diplomat in the U.S. and read a letter from Secretary Hillary Clinton which expressed the American people and Obama Administration’s gratitude for the Ambassador’s service and efforts to strengthen the important partnership between the the Philippines and the U.S.

In his remarks, Ambassador Gaa cited the significant strides that have been made in building the Philippines-US bilateral relations and in maintaining their relevance in the lives of our fellowmen.

Ambassador Gaa noted that his tenure in the American capital is and will always be a source of personal pride and honor.

Located opposite the Old Executive Office Building of the White House, the historic Blair House serves as the official state guest house for the President of the United States.

Foreign heads of state visiting the president are accommodated at the Blair House, as well as several American presidents-elect and their families, who spend the last few nights as guests in the house before their initial inauguration.