MANILA - Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. passed away on Wednesday afternoon in Japan.

Siazon succumbed to prostate cancer.

He was 76.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda described the career diplomat's passing as a "profound loss."

"We pause in tribute to Domingo Siazon, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1995-2001) and Philippine Ambassador to Japan (1993-1995 and 2001-2010). Respected by his colleagues in the foreign service, his peers abroad, and by presidents and the public alike, he belonged to the second generation of career diplomats who served with professionalism and who rose according to merit.

"A cultured, urbane man, he leaves behind a record of distinguished service to the Republic, bringing honor to the flag wherever he served. We extend deepest sympathies to his family at this time of profound loss."

Siazon is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren.

Siazon was described on Facebook by one of his children as a "Statesman, career diplomat, but more importantly, a loving husband, father and grandfather. 1939-2016."

Siazon was born on July 9, 1939 in Aparri, Cagayan. He graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

According to the Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit Awardees which conferred an award to Siazon in 1997, he served with the Philippine Embassy in Berne, Switzerland and became the Philippine ambassador to Austria before his appointment as secretary of the DFA during the Ramos administration and Estrada government.

He was Philippine Ambassador to Japan from 1993 to 1995.

He also held for two consecutive terms the position of Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization or UNIDO from 1985-1993.