Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines

Check out this video to know what the DFA's been up to this past month! For full articles of the featured stories, click here 👉🏼 http://dfa.gov.ph​​

In a milestone highlighting the growing international recognition of the indispensable role of seafarers in sustaining the global economy, the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being garnered more than 40 endorsements from states, international organizations, industry leaders, and maritime stakeholders on 18 May 2026, coinciding with the worldwide commemoration of International Day for Women in Maritime.

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In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan this year, the Philippine Embassy in Japan partnered with the University Museum, The University of Tokyo (UMUT), and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) to present a mobile museum entitled “Faces and Flora: Japan’s Native Tree Photography at Koishikawa Botanical Garden”.

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Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Enrique A. Manalo shared the Philippines’ key priorities and perspectives on international peace and security during the 8th United Nations Security Council Election Debate for Asia-Pacific Group candidates held on 20 May 2026 at the ECOSOC Chamber of the UN Headquarters in New York.

Read full story: https://tinyurl.com/yubdujh5

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers an address before the National Diet of Japan on May 28, 2026.

According to Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, addressing the Diet is a privilege reserved for a select few. The President’s opportunity to speak before the Diet reflects the Japanese government’s recognition of the gains achieved under President Marcos Jr.’s leadership in recent years. It also acknowledges the Chief Executive’s contributions to further strengthening and improving Philippines-Japan relations.

The 75th anniversary of Philippines-Netherlands relations was celebrated with a sterling musical concert featuring acclaimed soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park, accompanied on piano by Shemaine Velasco, and with special performance by baritone Byeong In Park. Organized by the Philippine Embassy in partnership with The Diplomat Magazine and held on 21 May at the historic Nieuwe Kerk in the heart of The Hague, the well-attended event had the theme, “75 years of partnership, friendship, and a relationship that continues to grow.”

Read full story 👉🏻 https://tinyurl.com/49rkv3cn

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa P. Lazaro in her capacity as Chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), led the celebration of the 75th founding anniversary of UNACOM with the unveiling and launching of commemorative stamps on 21 May 2026.

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As soon as they arrive in Tokyo, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos spend time with the Filipino community in Japan at a gathering on May 26, 2026.

According to the Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo, the Filipino community in Japan remains one of the most deeply rooted foreign communities in the country and is the fourth-largest contingent, with around 349,714 registered Filipinos residing across various regions as of June 2025.