By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines, which has gone a long way from a “fledgling Republic to an active and responsible member of the community of nations,” is seeking an alliance that is based on “mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared goals,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday.
Speaking before members of the diplomatic corps during the vin d’honneur at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Marcos touted that his administration has made “great” strides in reintroducing the Philippines to the world as a country that is open for business and looks forward to mutually beneficial cooperation with states with shared values and aspirations.
“One hundred and twenty-seven years later, our diplomats are tasked to secure international support for the Philippines’ national development agenda and the global recognition of our role as a reliable partner, a trusted peacemaker, and an innovative partner,” Marcos said in his toast remarks.
“We forge alliances that are based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared goals. Given our own domestic priorities for socio-economic transformation, our foreign policy promotes development through the strategic conduct of diplomacy.”
Defending sovereignty
Marcos also emphasized that since the Philippines achieved its freedom, it has “unremittingly defended our sovereignty and territorial integrity, in the face of all adversity.”
He said the Philippines’ growth and feats have enabled the country to play significant roles in the global discourse of climate change, human rights, migration, regional stability, freedom in the seas, and most other issues.
“More than that, we have also expanded our diplomacy to include serving as consensus builders between and amongst nations on issues of international significance,” Marcos said. “We have positioned ourselves on the world stage so we can participate in international dialogue, safeguard our national interests, and contribute to the common good.”
Proactive policy
Marcos said the country’s independent foreign policy is a “proactive policy that is true to ourselves, responsive to the needs and aspirations of our people.”
“Our engagements with the world are geared towards building peace and cooperation and to foster enduring partnerships. We build bridges, not walls,” he said, urging international partners to continue their active collaboration with the Philippines, especially as it prepares to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.
Marcos thanked the members of the diplomatic corps for their continued support for the Philippine government’s economic initiatives and endeavors, especially in strengthening bilateral ties with partner countries in key areas of mutual interest, including people-to-people linkages.
He assured them that the Philippines is set to achieve its 6% growth target in the coming quarters, driven by a steady fiscal consolidation, easing inflation, and progress in trade negotiations with key partners.
‘Harmonious collaboration’
Moroccan Ambassador to the Philippines Mohammed Rida El-Fassi, vice dean of the Diplomatic Corps, assured Marcos of the renewed commitment of the international community to sustain its “harmonious” collaboration with the Philippines.
“This annual celebration of our national independence reflects our shared aspirations for peace, progress, and excellence. We honor the values of freedom and sovereignty while fostering cooperation among nations, the enduring balance that unites,” he said.
“In this spirit, we reaffirm our commitment to friendship and harmonious collaboration. Together, we pursue lasting peace rooted in goodwill, nurtured through sincere dialogue, and strengthened by mutual respect.”
El-Fassi expressed optimism that the Philippines and its foreign partners would move forward together as they pursue lasting peace rooted in goodwill, nurtured through sincere dialogue, and strengthened by mutual respect.
“Across generations, this commemoration stands as a testament to the resilience of the Filipino people, the richness of their cultural heritage, and the boundless promise of a future founded on constitutional equality, good governance, and justice,” he said. “Your country embodies the spirit of solidarity where prosperity is achieved through mutual support and harmony.”
