THE AMBASSADOR

Biographical Sketch of
HIS EXCELLENCY NESTOR Z. OCHOA
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of the Philippines
to Brunei Darussalam

His Excellency Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa presented his Letter of Credence before His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, at the Istana Nurul Iman on 05 April 2011.

He is the eighth Philippine envoy to be assigned to the Sultanate since full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries on 1 January 1984.

Prior to his posting as Philippine envoy to Brunei Darussalam, Ambassador Ochoa enjoyed a long and distinguished military career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), culminating in his assumption of duties as the Acting Chief of Staff.

His services and achievements were recognized through various military medals and awards, including three distinguished service stars. He retired from military service in July 2010.

Ambassador Ochoa was born on 08 December 1954 in Ilagan, Isabela. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in March 1977. He took his Infantry Officer Basic Course at the US Army Infantry School in 1984-1985. He also finished his General Staff Course at the Australian Army Command and Staff College and Master of Defense Studies at the University of Canberra, Australia in December 1999.

Ambassador Ochoa is an avid golfer and bike enthusiast. He is married to Mrs. Maria Tomasa "Mayie" E. Ochoa, an associate professor, college of pharmacy at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. Ambassador and Mrs. Ochoa are blessed with two daughters, a son, and a granddaughter. END