Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines

⚖️ What does 80 years of international justice look like?

To mark the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands brought together legal experts, judges, diplomats, and students in the Philippines for two events exploring the enduring relevance of international law.

Together with Ateneo Law School, the Embassy hosted a forum featuring Dr. Mamadou Hébié, associate professor of Leiden University and former Special Assistant to the President of the ICJ, that included a lecture on the design and evolution of the The Hague-based international legal system over 80 years and a panel discussion on the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. The lively exchange continued with more than 20 students on the norms of UNCLOS and its application in practice.

The Embassy also partnered with the Supreme Court PH and the Philippine Judicial Academy for a lecture series by Dr. Hébié on ICJ advisory opinions and on the relationship between international and domestic law.

One message stood out across both events: a continued commitment to international law is essential to building a more peaceful, predictable, and cooperative world.

💧🌧️ As the rainy season is expected to begin across the Philippines, the country once again faces a familiar paradox: in some places there is too much water, causing floods and disruption, while in others there is too little water, leading to water shortages and insecurity. These challenges affect communities across the country year after year and highlight the need for more sustainable, resilient, and integrated approaches to water management.

In response to these challenges, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Manila proudly launched the 𝐏𝐇-𝐍𝐋 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 (Sustainable WIN) 🇵🇭🤝🇳🇱 — a network of government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners committed to advancing sustainable water infrastructure in the Philippines.

Rooted in the spirit of 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐚 and 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧 — working together — the network aims to foster cooperation, innovation, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices between Philippine and Dutch partners. The PH-NL Sustainable WIN was launched during the King’s Day Forum 2026, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors to explore how collaboration can build a more resilient future for water and water-related infrastructure. with this years topic the promotion of ESG standards in the Infra/Water sector.

Want to stay updated on the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Network? 👀 Or maybe officially join the network? Visit our website in the coming months as we continue to expand the platform and share new updates, initiatives, and developments related to the network 🌐💧
https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/philippines/water-infrastructure-network

🇵🇭🤝🇳🇱

Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Inc. - DCCP
Water Academy
Aqua Klima Inc.
Arcadis
Haskoning
Boskalis
Fugro

The Royal Netherlands Navy took on the most popular sport of the Philippines: basketball! 🇳🇱🏀🇵🇭

In a friendly match with the Philippine Navy, the teams showed that cooperation goes beyond official duties — it is also built through sports, teamwork, and shared fun. Our embassy colleagues proudly joined the Dutch side, giving the team a final pep talk from the sidelines before tip-off.

As for the final score… we’ll keep that a friendly secret 😉

Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Ministerie van Defensie

⚓️🇳🇱Celebrating 75 Years of Friendship🇵🇭⚓️

The port call in Manila of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Zr.Ms. De Ruyter offered the opportunity to host a joint network reception on board.

Ambassador Marielle Geraedts and Commanding Officer Rodger de Wit welcomed several representatives of the Philippine Navy, Armed Forces, Coast Guard, the Dutch and Filipino business communities and members of the diplomatic community.

We toasted with specially brewed friendship beer and enjoyed the wonderful jazz music by the combo of the Netherlands Marine band. A beautiful evening to mark our enduring bilateral friendship.

Yesterday, ambassador Marielle Geraedts, the commanding officer of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter Rodger de Wit and the Defense attaché attended the Memorial Day observance held at the Manila American Cemetery, to pay tribute to the servicemen and women who gave their lives in defense of peace and freedom. Their sacrifice remains a lasting reminder of the values they stood for, which continue to guide our shared commitment today.

HNLMS De Ruyter docks in Manila! 🚢⚓🌊

The Philippine Navy welcomes the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) in Manila. The visit is part of the deployment called Pacific Archer, a planned mission with a strong focus on the Indo Pacific region. This mission signifies the Netherlands’ continued commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation and deepening ties with partners in the region, including the Philippines.

HNLMS De Ruyter is a 473-foot-long air-defense and command frigate in the Zeven Provinciën-class, equipped with an NH90 helicopter. The vessel is staffed by approximately 220 personnel and sails the equivalent of one and a half times around the Earth during this deployment. 🌍

The welcoming of de Ruyter commenced with an official opening ceremony from the Philippine Navy. The crew, joined by Ambassador Geraedts also opened its doors for the media giving an exclusive tour inside the ship. 🚢

The vessel’s visit is timely: the Netherlands and the Philippines mark 75 years of diplomatic relations this year (May 17,1951), highlighting the momentum of the deepening partnership between the Philippines and the Netherlands, including on maritime security and trade.

In the coming days, a number of activities will take place in light of our 75 years of friendship, strengthening our ties and reaffirming our shared interest in a safe and secure Indo-Pacific. 🇵🇭🤝🇳🇱

Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Ministerie van Defensie
Koninklijke Marine

International Law, Diplomacy, and the Stakes for the Philippines 🇵🇭

A forum organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Ateneo Law School, marks the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice and 75 years of Philippines-Netherlands diplomatic relations. 🇳🇱🤝🇵🇭

Date and time: Monday 25 May 2026 from 9AM -12NN

Venue: Ateneo Law School, Rockwell Drive, Makati City

Sign up via the Google Forms:
https://forms.gle/p4SUqYuy1MYap2Bq6

LIVE IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP | Everyone is welcome to participate! 🎷🎺

Let’s swing! As part of the 75-years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the Philippines and the MSO 100-celebration, MSO Foundation Inc., in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines and the Royal Netherlands Navy, is hosting a live jazz improvisation workshop this Sunday. Feel free to drop by!🇵🇭🇳🇱

LIVE IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP
Celebrating 75 Years of Philippine–Netherlands Relations
with the Combo Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy

May 24, 2026 Sunday
1:00–4:30 PM
MSO Recital Hall, Circuit Makati
Admission is FREE

Participation and public audience attendance are welcome. Scan the QR code or tap the link to sign up!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctLVs-8jzSUg-SyO5i0stHZhAZKvhngDSNY6VtyA0e3lqE_A/viewform

To mark the 75-year anniversary between The Netherlands and the Philippines, an exhibition has been created highlighting the rich history and many dimensions of the relationship between both countries. The exhibition is now made available online here and will also be showcased during various events, allowing more people to explore the stories, partnerships, and shared achievements that have shaped our enduring friendship. 🇳🇱🇵🇭

Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands