Seven days before he steps down from office, President Aquino on Thursday thanked Foreign Affair Secretary Albert Del Rosario and the agency's employees for their achievements during his term.

In a speech during the DFA anniversary ceremony, Aquino commended the brand of public service that the department showcased in tackling various international issues, including civil unrest in other countries and the Philippines' maritime dispute with China.

"Mula sa pagsaklolo ng kabababayan natin na naipit sa tension sa Korea, Ukraine, Gitnang Silangan; pagsulong ng integridad ng ating teritoryo; pagtibay ng ugnayan sa ibang bansa -- saan man sa mundo, pinatutunayan n'yo Pilipino kayong naglilingkod sa kapakanan ng kapwa Pilipino," the President said.

"Totoo nga po, kapag magaling ang timon, nagiging mahusay rin ang ahensyang ginagabayan nito. Si Albert, hindi taga-pasa ng problema, siya'y taga-tugon ng problema at minsan, lagpas pa sa inaasahan sa kanya," he added.

Aquino and his Cabinet will bow out of office on June 30.