PH TO OPEN NEW EMBASSIES, CONSULATES

UNDERSCORING the importance of fostering deeper and enduring partnerships with the international community, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced plans to expand the Philippines’ diplomatic presence by opening additional embassies and consulates in key regions around the world.

Speaking during the Vin d’Honneur at Malacanang, President Marcos said his previous meetings with fellow leaders provided an excellent opportunity “to bolster our bilateral ties across many sectors, foster closer people-to-people relations, develop closer cooperation on new and emerging issues of mutual concern, all in pursuit of shared peace, progress, and prosperity.”

President Marcos announced that, as part of the country’s expanding diplomatic footprint, the Philippines will open new embassies in Kazakhstan and Ghana this year.

“We are also working on establishing our new Consulate General in Miami, Florida, to serve Filipinos in the U.S., Southeast, and the Caribbean,” the President added.

These new missions, the Chief Executive said, will provide vital and accessible consular services to protect Filipinos overseas.

At the same time, they are expected to serve as a gateway to unlock fresh economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and stronger political relations with the Philippines’ host countries.

Among the Vin d’Honneur attendees are Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, House Speaker Faustino Dy III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, the Most Reverend Charles Brown, and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

The Vin d’Honneur, from the French practice meaning “wine of honor,” is an official reception hosted by the President of the Philippines at Malacañan Palace.

It is traditionally held on New Year’s Day and on Philippine Independence Day.