WASHINGTON D.C. – The Filipino community here welcomed the nomination of Harry Thomas Jr. as ambassador to the Philippines. Following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate, he becomes the first African American envoy to Manila.

“The Philippine American community looks forward to continuing to work with the State Department,” said Jon Melegrito, spokesman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). “We hope that the kind of relationship building with the Filipino community will continue under the new ambassador.”  

A career diplomat, Thomas, 53, is slated to succeed Kristie Kenney, the first woman ambassador to the Philippines.  She was appointed by former President George W. Bush, and served for three and a half years.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as US envoy for three and a half years,”  Kenney said in Manila.    

Thomas’ nomination was announced  a week after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to the Philippines.

A State Department statement said Thomas served most recently as director general of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources. He previously served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Department.

He joined the Foreign Service in 1984, served as Ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He also served in the White House as the director for South Asia at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2002. His other postings included New Delhi, India; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kaduna, Nigeria; and Lima, Peru. He has served as senior watch officer, deputy director, and director of the State Department Operations Center; special assistant to the Undersecretary for Political Affairs; and staff assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs. Thomas holds a bachelors degree from the College of the Holy Cross.

“Amb. Thomas seems qualified and experienced in high level diplomacy and has the full confidence of President Obama,” said Eric Lachica, community leader and advocate for the veterans cause.  “I’m sure he will face many challenges as ambassador in Manila including the forthcoming national presidential elections in the Philippines in May and its aftermath.  We wish him the best.”

Community leader Ben de Guzman of the  National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity said the transition comes “at a critical time when so much is happening for Filipino communities everywhere.”

“The discussions around implementation of the Veterans Equity Compensation Fund and the urgency of the impending deadline for applications will certainly be an important issue for the new ambassador,” he said.

“I’m happy that President Barack Obama is appointing a career diplomat to the Philippines,” said NaFFAA Director Bing Cardenas Branigin. “It's good to have a popular envoy that is loved by the host country, but it's also important to focus on important issues like the economy, security, terrorism, and trade.”