Philippine Embassy Athens

19/06/2026

Philippine Ambassador Joins Filcom 128th Philippine Independence Celebration in Thessaloniki, Greece

Philippine Ambassador to Greece, H.E. Giovanni E. Palec joined the Filipino Organization in Northern Greece (FONG) in their celebration of the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in the afternoon of 14 June 2026 held at the Labor Center of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece.

The event started with the parade of FONG officers along with the Philippine flag bearer. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem and the invocation led by a member of the Jesus Is Lord group. FONG President Rosemarie Nicolas gave her welcome remarks where she thanked the different groups for participating in the event that made the commemoration of our Independence even more meaningful.

In his message, Ambassador Palec stressed the importance of having a shared vision for the country and the continued need for unity, mutual understanding, and solidarity among Filipinos to achieve this. He cited the FONG as a good example of such unity as this is the only registered community organization in Thessaloniki and surrounding areas. Amb. Palec urged those present to continue with the good work and image that the Filipino community and its members have made and that they are respected and appreciated by the officials and residents of Thessaloniki.

The ambassador led the oath-taking for the new officers of FONG and congratulated them for their election and wished them success in their endeavors. He also encouraged those present to also become officers of the organization so that there is continuity considering that many of the officers were reaching retirement age. He later handed out the plaques of appreciation to those officers or members who had rendered their services from 2024 to present that contributed to the success of the activities of the organization.

The program had presentations from the different groups and one of the more entertaining numbers was performed by a young gentleman, Mr. Ioannis Lagos, who is half Filipino and Greek with a Filipino mother and a Greek father. His heartfelt and emotional rendition of Freddie Aguilar’s song “Bayan Ko” was loudly applauded by the audience. The finale portion was announcing the winners for the “Best in Filipiniana" in three categories: Adult Male, Adult Female and Youth. Mr Lagos, who sung earlier, was awarded the Best in Barong for the male category, while 7-year old Irish Ornedo was best in the youth category and Mrs. Gregoria Sta Ana Hala won in the adult female category. [END]

19/06/2026

PH Embassy Joins Filipino Community Celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Athens

Athens, Greece – 14 June 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Athens joined the Filipino communities in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece in celebrating the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on 14 June 2026. The Filcom celebration in Athens was held at the Open Basketball Court of ONA in Ambelokipi, Athens The festivities in Athens began with a parade of 72 Filipino community organizations led by the Accredited Community Partners (ACPs) and the Embassy delegation headed by Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec, officials and personnel of MWO and OWO-Grece, and their families, all proudly dressed in Filipiniana attire.

The program started with a historical tableau entitled “Balik-Tanaw”, a reenactment of the events that led to the declaration of independence which was performed by Filipino youth. This was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, an invocation and welcome remarks from Ms. Chona Pamintuan of ACP. Messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan and the undersigned were also delivered.

In his remarks, Amb. Palec emphasized the importance of commemorating Philippine independence as it reaffirms our identity as Filipinos and highlighted the need for unity, solidarity, and mutual understanding among Filipinos as foundations for nation-building.

The celebration showcased Philippine culture through traditional costumes, dances, and musical performances by various Filipino organizations. Highlights included winners of the competitions in the Best Cultural Attire 2026 and All-Ages Singing competitions. Ms. Athena P. Arquines wore a Filipiniana couture made from Inabel was awarded with the Best Cultural Attire Award while Ms. Analiza Alconis was presented with a special award (Cultural Heritage Ambassador Award) for showcasing avant-garde Filipiniana made from abaca fiber and coconut by-products. Ms. Princess Dee B. Dolo won the All-Ages Singing competitions. First Secretary and Consul Therese R. Cantada served as Chair of the Board of Judges for Best Cultural Attire Competition, while Third Secretary and Vice Consul Christopher P. Castillo served as Chair of the Board of Judges for the singing competition.

The Embassy also conducted Overseas Voting registration and was able to enroll 103 applicants while MWO and OWWA-Greece provided information about their programs and services.

The celebration reaffirmed the strength, unity, and resilience of the Filipino community in Greece and reflected their enduring pride in their heritage and nationhood. [END].

17/06/2026

Philippines Hosts ASEAN Ambassadors Meeting in Athens and Hands Over Chairship to Thailand

Philippine Ambassador to Greece H.E. Giovanni E. Palec hosted the 42nd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee in Athens (ACAT) on 16 June 2026, to discuss ongoing initiatives and explore further opportunities to promote ASEAN awareness and engagement in Greece.

The meeting marked the fourth and final convening under the Philippines’ chairship of ACAT from January to June 2026, in accordance with the Committee’s rotating leadership among the ASEAN embassies in Athens.

Joining Ambassador Palec were Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Bebeb A.K. Nugraha Djundjunan, Thai Ambassador H.E. Sathana Kashemsanta Na Ayudhya, and Vietnamese Ambassador H.E. Pham Thi Thu Huong.

The ambassadors exchanged views on recent political and economic developments in Greece and Europe, as well as the opportunities for increasing ASEAN’s visibility in the region. They also reviewed plans for upcoming joint activities, including the celebration of ASEAN Day in August.

The meeting concluded with a brief ceremony marking the handover of the ACAT Chairship from the Philippines to Thailand, which will assume leadership of the Committee for the period July to December 2026.

Following the meeting, the Philippine Embassy hosted an appreciation luncheon for ACAT members and representatives of countries that participated in the 4th ASEAN Plus Friends Bazaar. The luncheon was attended by Mr. Spyridon Voulgaris, Director for Asia and Oceania of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from the Embassies of Japan, Pakistan, and the Republic of Korea.

The ASEAN Committee in Athens (ACAT), composed of the Embassies of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam, serves as a platform for coordinating initiatives that promote ASEAN and strengthen relations between ASEAN, Greece, and the European Union. END

15/06/2026

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Courtesy: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

Video Message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on the occasion of the Celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence:

"I join the Filipino people both here at home and abroad as we celebrate the 128th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. Today we honor that historic moment in Kawit when our forebears raised the flag and declared that the Filipino will stand free and independent among the nations of the world. They made a claim that was brave, selfless, and costly, that we were no longer subjects of a foreign power, but citizens of a sovereign nation. We commemorate June 12 because freedom at its deepest must be asserted by the people themselves. It was not just a date given to us, but a date chosen by Filipinos who believed that these islands had the right to govern themselves, to protect their own independence, and to chart their own destiny. Our forebears understood that independence was just the first step in the quest for true freedom, followed by the arduous task of building our nation.

Indeed, our conception had to face many struggles. Yet, as Filipinos, we built, we persevered, and we endured, proving that we can stand on our own, not only with the power of our intellect and might, but also to the courage and the goodness in our hearts. Now, we again proudly and boldly proclaim our freedom and independence as a nation. Let this day be a reminder that everything we possess and enjoy is a precious inheritance entrusted by those who came before us. It is incumbent upon us, the present generation, to carry forward the duty of building a nation where justice, dignity, and opportunity are not distant promises, but the daily inheritance of every Filipino.

Mabuhay ang ating Kalayaan! Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!"

10/06/2026

Philippine Maritime Stakeholders Attend Posidonia 2026

Athens, Greece – The Philippine Embassy in Athens led the participation of a Philippine maritime delegation at Posidonia 2026, the world's premier international shipping exhibition, held from 1–5 June 2026 at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens, Greece.

The delegation included officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Paris, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), together with representatives from Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) and the Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS).

During the five-day event, the delegation visited exhibition booths of leading Greek and international maritime companies and organizations, participated in conferences and forums, and engaged with key stakeholders from across the global shipping industry. These activities provided valuable opportunities to exchange best practices, explore emerging maritime technologies, and identify potential areas for cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime logistics, seafarer development, port services, and other maritime-related sectors.

A highlight of the Philippine participation was the YES to Shipping Forum 2026, where MARINA Chief of Staff Harold G. Tarun served as a panelist, while Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. delivered the closing remarks. The forum brought together industry leaders and young professionals to discuss the future of shipping and maritime careers.

With over 2,200 exhibitors from 138 countries and more than 35,000 visitors, Posidonia 2026 once again demonstrated its importance as a global platform for maritime innovation, networking, and business development.

The Embassy remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the Philippines' position as a leading maritime nation and promote greater engagement with the international shipping community. END

09/06/2026

Filipinos in Greece Commemorate 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day with Community Flag-Raising

Athens, Greece, 7 June 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Greece, together with members of the Filipino community, marked the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence through a Flag-Raising Ceremony held at the Official Residence of Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec.

The event gathered around 150 participants, including representatives from 48 Filipino community organizations, members of the Filipino community from across Greece, and personnel and dependents of the Embassy, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Onsite Welfare Office (OWO)-Greece.

The ceremony opened with the simultaneous singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the hoisting of the Philippine flag led by Ambassador Palec, together with Embassy and labor and welfare officials. This was followed by the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas, led by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Christopher P. Castillo.

An ecumenical prayer led by Ms. Esperanza Salva of Filipino Athens Volunteers set a reflective tone, followed by community prayers in multiple languages, underscoring the diversity and unity of Filipinos in Greece. Messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and OWWA Administrator Atty. Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan were likewise shared.

In his remarks, Ambassador Palec emphasized unity among Filipinos in Greece, the importance of preserving their strong reputation abroad, and the role of community leaders in supporting newly arrived migrants. He also introduced Labor Attaché Rodolfo G. Gabasan, who reaffirmed the commitment of the MWO to protect the welfare and rights of overseas Filipinos.

Mr. Jose Valencia of KASAPI Hellas expressed appreciation to the Embassy for bringing together Filipinos from across Greece, including those who traveled from Crete. He highlighted the event’s role in strengthening community bonds and fostering a shared sense of identity and connection to the Philippines, and thanked the Embassy for its hospitality and inclusive engagement.

The celebration concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and a Filipino breakfast in a festive fiesta atmosphere, allowing participants to reconnect and celebrate their shared heritage and national pride. The breakfast featured beef tapa, eggs, dinuguan, longganisa, fried dilis, fried and steamed rice. There were also p**o, mango tapioca, fruits and kapeng barako.
(END)

08/06/2026

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Courtesy: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)