Philippine Embassy in Italy

01/06/2026

AMBASSADOR NEAL IMPERIAL WELCOMED ITALY‑BASED FILIPINO BASKETBALL PLAYER DALPH PANOPIO, WHO CURRENTLY PLAYS FOR THE PBA TEAM BLACKWATER BOSSING, DURING A COURTESY CALL AT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN ROME ON 25 MAY 2026.

A SEA GAMES GOLD MEDALIST AND PROUD REPRESENTATIVE OF PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL, PANOPIO CONTINUES TO BRING HONOR TO THE COUNTRY THROUGH SPORTS AND SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION TO FILIPINOS OVERSEAS.

27/05/2026

13 MAY 2026, ROME - The Philippine Embassy in Rome, in its capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR), hosted the 84th ACR Ambassadors' Meeting at the Chancery.

The ACR members discussed upcoming activities and engagements, including the TOASEAN Business Day in Turin this May 28, where the Philippines and Viet Nam have been chosen to be the focus countries for 2026. Ambassador Neal Imperial reported on the success of the AYO Italy Horizons 2026 held in Milan, where he delivered the keynote address as ACR Chair. The Ambassador of Malaysia provided a summary of the ACR's fruitful engagements at the University of Padova, followed by a briefing for local and regional government officials and business and industry association representatives in Padova on investment and trade opportunities in the ASEAN region that is poised to become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2030. The Committee likewise discussed the possibility of coordinating on multilateral diplomacy in Rome.

The Committee also welcomed H.E. Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Anh of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, who recently assumed her post and attended the ACR Ambassadors' Meeting for the first time. In keeping with the agreed rotation, Viet Nam is set to assume the Chairmanship of the ACR for the term July–December 2026, after the Philippine chairship.END

13 MAGGIO 2026, ROMA - L'Ambasciata delle Filippine a Roma, in qualità di Presidente del Comitato ASEAN a Roma (ACR), ha ospitato presso la Cancelleria l'84ª riunione degli Ambasciatori dell'ACR.

I membri dell'ACR hanno discusso delle prossime attività e degli impegni in programma, tra cui il TOASEAN Business Day a Torino il 28 maggio, dove le Filippine e il Vietnam sono stati scelti come paesi di riferimento per il 2026. L'Ambasciatore Neal Imperial ha riferito del successo dell'AYO Italy Horizons 2026 tenutosi a Milano, dove ha pronunciato il discorso di apertura in qualità di Presidente dell'ACR. L'Ambasciatore della Malesia ha fornito un riepilogo dei proficui incontri dell'ACR presso l'Università di Padova, seguito da un briefing per funzionari governativi locali e regionali e rappresentanti di associazioni imprenditoriali e industriali a Padova sulle opportunità di investimento e commerciali nella regione ASEAN, destinata a diventare, entro il 2030, la quarta economia più grande del mondo. Il Comitato ha inoltre discusso la possibilità di coordinare le attività diplomatiche multilaterali a Roma.

Il Comitato ha inoltre dato il benvenuto a S.E. l'Ambasciatrice Nguyen Phuong Anh della Repubblica Socialista del Vietnam, che ha recentemente assunto il suo incarico e ha partecipato per la prima volta alla riunione degli Ambasciatori dell'ACR. In conformità con la rotazione concordata, il Vietnam assumerà la Presidenza dell'ACR per il mandato luglio-dicembre 2026, dopo la presidenza delle Filippine. FINE

15/05/2026

OLYMPIAN ALPINE SKIER FRANCIS CECCARELLI PAID A COURTESY CALL ON AMBASSADOR NEAL IMPERIAL AT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN ROME ON 08 MAY 2026, TOGETHER WITH HIS COACH, STEFANO BARATTERO.

THE MEETING HIGHLIGHTED CECCARELLI’S INSPIRING JOURNEY IN REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINES AT THE MILANO CORTINA 2026 WINTER OLYMPICS, AS WELL AS HIS DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUED EFFORTS IN BRINGING PRIDE AND HONOR TO THE COUNTRY ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE.

15/05/2026

Philippine Embassy Briefs Italian High School Students on Philippine Diplomacy and Global Affairs

Rome, 29 April 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Rome welcomed the students of Istituto San Giuseppe del Caburlotto to its Chancery on 29 April 2026, as part of the Embassy's continuing engagement with Italian youth through the Diplomacy Education Program of Global Action Italy (G*I), an Italian non-profit organization that promotes diplomacy education among high school students.

The students were welcomed by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan, and Consul General Randy B. Arquiza, who delivered a lecture covering the Philippine presence in Italy, the functions of a diplomatic mission and permanent representation, an overview of Philippine Embassy operations, and the Philippines' engagement in multilateral diplomacy, including information relevant to the upcoming Model United Nations (MUN) simulation.

During the presentation, Consul General Arquiza also highlighted the Philippines' advocacy on Maritime Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, including the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award ruling on the South China Sea. The students were likewise briefed on the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship and its significance in the regional and global arena.

The lecture was followed by a lively question-and-answer session, during which the students raised topics ranging from human rights protection, cultural heritage preservation, the balance between modern development and indigenous identity, the drivers of migration, environmental sustainability and technological innovation, cybersecurity in the digital age, and the contributions of Filipino scientists to global scientific progress.

As the program drew to a close, the Embassy marked the occasion with the presentation of a copy of Noli Me Tangere translated into Italian, handed over by Consul General Arquiza, who shared that the novel speaks to the struggles of the Filipino people under Spanish colonial rule and the national awakening it inspired. The students were also treated to light refreshments and a tour of the Chancery.

The 12 Italian high school students were accompanied by teachers Tiziana Confaloni and Claudio Croce, and Global Action tutors Emma Lodovichi and Maria Luisa Camilucci. The students will represent the Philippines at the Closing Ceremony of the 9th Edition of the Global Action Model United Nations (GAMUN), scheduled at the end of May 2026.
The activity is part of the Philippine Embassy's continuing public diplomacy efforts to engage Italian youth and promote greater awareness of the Philippines. END

L'Ambasciata delle Filippine presenta la Diplomazia e gli Affari Globali delle Filippine ad alcuni studenti delle scuole superiori in Italia.

Roma, 29 aprile 2026 – L'Ambasciata delle Filippine a Roma ha accolto gli studenti dell'Istituto San Giuseppe del Caburlotto presso la propria Cancelleria il 29 aprile 2026, nell'ambito del continuo impegno dell'Ambasciata con i giovani italiani attraverso il Programma di Educazione Diplomatica di Global Action Italy (G*I), un'organizzazione italiana senza scopo di lucro che promuove l'educazione diplomatica tra gli studenti delle scuole superiori.

Gli studenti sono stati accolti dall'Incaricato d'Affari a.i., Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan, e dal Console Generale Randy B. Arquiza, che hanno tenuto una lezione sulla presenza filippina in Italia, le funzioni di una Missione Diplomatica e di una Rappresentanza Permanente, una panoramica delle attività dell'Ambasciata filippina e il coinvolgimento delle Filippine nella diplomazia multilaterale, incluse informazioni rilevanti per la prossima simulazione del Model United Nations (MUN).

Durante la presentazione, il Console Generale Arquiza ha anche sottolineato l'impegno delle Filippine a favore della sovranità marittima e dell'integrità territoriale, inclusa la storica sentenza arbitrale del 2016 sul Mar Cinese Meridionale. Gli studenti sono stati inoltre informati sulla presidenza filippina dell'ASEAN e sulla sua importanza a livello regionale e globale.

Alla lezione è seguita una sessione di domande e risposte, durante la quale gli studenti hanno sollevato argomenti che spaziavano dalla tutela dei diritti umani alla conservazione del patrimonio culturale, dall'equilibrio tra sviluppo moderno e identità indigena alle cause della migrazione, dalla sostenibilità ambientale all'innovazione tecnologica, dalla sicurezza informatica nell'era digitale al contributo degli scienziati filippini al progresso scientifico globale.

Al termine del programma, l'Ambasciata suggellato l'evento con la consegna di una copia di "Noli Me Tángere" tradotta in italiano, offerta dal Console Generale Arquiza, il quale ha spiegato come il romanzo tratti delle lotte del popolo filippino sotto il dominio coloniale spagnolo e del risveglio nazionale che ha ispirato. Agli studenti è stato inoltre offerto un rinfresco e una visita guidata della Cancelleria.

I dodici studenti italiani delle scuole superiori sono stati accompagnati dagli insegnanti Tiziana Confaloni e Claudio Croce e dalle tutor di Global Action Emma Lodovichi e Maria Luisa Camilucci. Gli studenti rappresenteranno le Filippine alla Cerimonia di Chiusura della 9ª Edizione del Global Action Model United Nations (GAMUN), in programma alla fine di maggio 2026.

L'attività rientra nel quadro delle iniziative di diplomazia pubblica dell'Ambasciata delle Filippine volte a coinvolgere i giovani italiani e a promuovere una maggiore conoscenza delle Filippine. FINE.

14/05/2026

Philippines Showcases Food Exports at Tuttofood Milano 2026

ROME, 13 May 2026 – The Philippines showcased a diverse selection of high-quality, export-ready food products at the Philippine Pavilion during the Tuttofood Milano International Food Exhibition, which opened on 11 May 2026 and will run until 14 May 2026, at Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy.

Featured food exports from seven Philippine exhibitors included ube powder, virgin coconut oil, buko juice, Philippine snacks, and other specialty products that highlight the country’s growing food export capabilities and commitment to excellence. Participating Philippine companies were Astoria - Culinary Expert Culinary Services (ACES), Corp., Bahaghari Global Food Inc., Butuan Coconut Products Inc., Fruits of Life, Inc., La Carlota Food Enterprise, Wellnesscare Int’l Corporation, and JIREH Food Products Inc.

In his keynote remarks during the opening ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial underscored the Philippines’ strategic participation in the exhibition as a vital step toward strengthening the country’s food export initiatives and investment opportunities amid global disruptions. He noted that geopolitical conflicts and the accelerating impacts of climate change continue to make global food supply chains increasingly fragile and unpredictable.

“Participating in Europe’s premier food expo is essential to diversify export markets, secure import channels, and reduce exposure to external volatility,” Ambassador Imperial said.

Ambassador Imperial also highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening food security, promoting sustainable food systems, and elevating the Philippine food brands in the global market. He encouraged the participating companies to maximize opportunities for partnership and collaboration, while further positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the global food value chain.

Ms. Maria Katrina Rivera, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and Head of the Philippine delegation, delivered the welcome remarks during the opening ceremony. Messages of support were also conveyed by Consul General Jim Tito B. San Agustin of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) Executive Director Lorens Ziller, and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Paris (PTIC) Commercial Counsellor and Director Rosa Katrina Banzon. Officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy (PCCI) also attended the event as potential importers.

The Philippine participation, now on its second year, is led by the DTI-EMB, in collaboration with PTIC-Paris, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), the ICCPI, with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Rome and the Philippine Consulate General in Milan. Last year’s participation yielded contracts amounting to USD 3.8 million, which DTI hopes to surpass this year.

Tuttofood Milano 2026 is a premier B2B trade fair dedicated to the global agri-food sector organized by Fiera di Parma and Koelnmesse Italia, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and other partners. The exhibition features thousands of food and beverage brands from more than 40 countries across Europe and around the world, and serves as a dynamic platform for networking and business matching among producers, distributors, buyers, and other stakeholders. END

12/05/2026

PH Reaffirms Commitment to Food Security and Global Supply Chain Stability Amid Gulf Conflict at FAO Council Special Session

ROME – The Philippines joined the 49-member Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in calling for stronger measures to safeguard global food security and maintain open and resilient supply chains amid the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, including the closure of key maritime routes. The call was made during the FAO Council’s 180th special session held on 28 April 2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Speaking before the Council members and observers, Ambassador and Permanent Representative Neal Imperial, who represents the Philippines in the FAO Council, underscored the growing risks posed by the conflict and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to global economic stability and food systems.

“We meet at a time when armed conflict and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are adding risks to global economic and food security, disrupting oil, gas, and fertilizer exports, and driving up food prices. Rising input costs undermine agricultural production, industrial output, and household purchasing power,” he said.

He expressed solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) countries that are directly affected by the conflict, causing prolonged suffering to their citizens, together with more than two million Filipino migrant workers and seafarers in the Gulf region.
Ambassador Imperial also highlighted the cascading effects of rising fuel costs on the Philippine food supply chain. “In the Philippines, the sharp increase in fertilizer prices comes just as we approach the wet rice planting season, placing pressure on our farmers’ capacity to produce. Higher fuel costs are driving up the cost of transporting food across our archipelago. We are seeing rising food prices. Fisherfolk are scaling down operations due to fuel expenses and vegetable farmers are facing losses due to transport delays and perishable goods spoilage.”

He outlined measures being undertaken by the Philippine government to cushion the impact of the crisis on vulnerable sectors. These include fuel subsidies to farmers and fisherfolk, expanded market linkages connecting producers directly to consumers, and the promotion of non-fossil-based fertilizers.

He also noted the ongoing investments in logistics such as cold storage, processing facilities and low-cost preservation technologies to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize supply, as well as the promotion of integrated farming systems to diversify incomes.

The Philippines also called for closer cooperation on three priority actions: 1) strengthening real-time monitoring and early warning systems to provide timely and actionable information for policy decisions; 2) ensuring access to critical agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers, to support agriculture; and 3) enhancing market transparency and policy coordination to prevent fragmented and reactive measures that could worsen market volatility. “Open and predictable trade in food and fertilizers is essential to global food security,” Ambassador Imperial emphasized.

The Philippines likewise called on all parties involved in the conflict to uphold international law, including the United Nations Charter, to pursue the immediate cessation of hostilities, exercise utmost restraint, and resolve disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. It also stressed the importance of maintaining stable global energy supply chains, secure maritime trade routes, the welfare of seafarers, and freedom of navigation.

As the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines emphasized the need to minimize disruptions to the flow of energy and essential goods, including food. “We urge the full use of existing mechanisms and frameworks to enhance consultation, information sharing and cooperation that further mobilize and strengthen resilience amid the crisis.”

The Philippines is serving as a member of the FAO Council until 2027, following its re-election in 2023. The country has served on the Council several times since 1947.

Elected by the FAO Conference, the Council acts as the executive organ of the FAO Conference between sessions and oversees matters relating to global food and agriculture, FAO programs and budget, administrative and financial management, and constitutional affairs. END

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Neal Imperial delivers the Philippine statement at the 180th Session of the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held on 28 April 2026 at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

08/05/2026

Warm congratulations to our April 2026 batch of Filipino-Italian dual citizens who took their oaths at the Philippine Embassy in Italy! 🇵🇭🇮🇹

Throughout the month of April, the Embassy proudly welcomed former Filipinos who chose to reconnect with their Filipino roots by reacquiring or retaining their Philippine citizenship after becoming naturalized Italian citizens. Each oath-taking ceremony was a meaningful reminder that no matter where life leads, one’s connection to the Philippines remains close to the heart.

The ceremonies also provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about their rights and responsibilities as Filipino citizens, as well as the many opportunities and advantages that come with holding Philippine citizenship and a Philippine passport.

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Lubos ang kasiyahan ng Embahada na makasama ang ating mga kababayang Filipino-Italian sa kanilang muling pagyakap sa kanilang pagka-Pilipino. Ang kanilang panunumpa ay hindi lamang isang legal na proseso kundi isang makabuluhang pagbabalik-ugnay sa kanilang pinagmulan, kultura, at pagkatao bilang Pilipino.

Umaasa rin ang Embahada na mas marami pang dating Pilipino sa Italya na naging naturalized Italian citizens ang mag-avail ng dual citizenship at muling makamit ang kanilang pagiging Filipino citizen. Nandito po kami upang umalalay at gumabay sa bawat hakbang ng proseso.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, maaari po kayong mag-email sa [email protected] o tumawag sa +39 333 2433 958.

💡 Trivia Time!
Alam ba ninyo na pagkatapos ma-naturalize bilang Italian citizen ng Pilipino ay mawawalang bisa na ang kanyang Philippine passport, at kailangan niyang mag-reacquire/retain ng Philippine citizenship upang magkaroon uli ng Philippine passport? 🤔 Alam na ito ng ating April 2026 batch!

07/05/2026

Passports Available for Release as of 29 April 2026

For reasons of privacy, only the last name and abbreviation of the first name and middle name shall be indicated in the list REMINDERS FOR THOSE CLAIMING THEIR PASSPORTS:

1. Appointment is no longer required for passport releasing.
2. Please bring your OLD PASSPORT, ORIGINAL RECEIPT and ORIGINAL AUTHORIZATION LETTER (For applicants who cannot claim their new passport themselves. Only immediate relatives will be allowed to claim their passport - Spouse, parent, sibling, adult child).
3. Releasing time is from MONDAY to FRIDAY, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Except holidays).
4. Applicants must affix their signature on Page no. 3 of their passports upon receipt.
5. If an applicant's name is not in the list, the applicant is advised to revisit our website every week from the date of application.
6. Passports of applicants who applied during a consular outreach or who requested that their passports be released at their chosen Philippine Consulate may claim their new passports at the Philippine Consulate nearest to the outreach venue or their residence. Kindly contact the Consulate after 60 days from the date of application to confirm the availability of the passport.
7. If an applicant's passport has not arrived 60 days after the date of application or for any other clarification, applicant is advised to contact the Philippine Embassy through:
page :
Email : [email protected]
Telephone No. : 06 397 46621 local 206

06/05/2026

ITALY SEEKS THOUSANDS OF FILIPINO NURSES, EYES LABOR AGREEMENT ON HEALTH WORKERS WITH PH

Rome highlights urgent healthcare workforce gap; extension of current nurses’ work validity confirmed

Italy is looking to recruit thousands of nurses to address a significant shortage in its healthcare system, and has identified the Philippines as a key partner in meeting this demand.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said he met with Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci on 24 April 2026 at the Ministry of Health in Rome, where both sides discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation on healthcare workforce mobility.

Italy currently faces a shortage of approximately 15,000-20,000 nurses and expressed strong interest in tapping into the Philippines’ pool of highly qualified healthcare professionals. Filipino nurses were noted to be highly regarded in Italy for their competence, professionalism, and quality of care.

In this meeting, the Italian side conveyed openness to negotiating a government-to-government (G-to-G) Bilateral Labor Agreement (BLA) on health professionals, which would establish a structured, transparent, and regulated mechanism for the recruitment and deployment of Filipino nurses to Italian hospitals and clinics.

“We welcome Italy’s recognition of the value that Filipino nurses bring to its healthcare system,” the Ambassador said. “A formal bilateral framework will help ensure that recruitment is orderly, fair, and responsive to the needs of both countries, while safeguarding the welfare of our healthcare professionals.”

Italian authorities emphasized, however, that employment would be subject to national regulatory requirements. Filipino nurses must meet qualifications including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, recognition of credentials, registration with professional bodies, Italian language proficiency (at least B2 level), and completion of required professional training.

Extension of Work Validity for Filipino Nurses already in Italy

The Health Minister also confirmed the extension of the work validity for Filipino nurses currently employed in Italy for an additional two (2) years, from 2027 to 2029. They were allowed to work in Italy during the COVID pandemic on exceptional basis without going through stringent requirements but their contracts were set to expire on 31 December 2027. Their contracts have been extended to 31 December 2029 based on Legge 30 dicembre 2025, n. 199 (Law of 30 December 2025, No. 199) which amends earlier provisions under decreto-legge 30 marzo 2023, n. 34 (Law of 30 March 2023, No.34). It also clarifies that employment contracts may remain valid for as long as the nurse’s riconoscimento regionale (regional professional recognition) is in force, providing continuity in employment.

“This is a very positive and practical outcome for our Filipino nurses already in Italy,” the Ambassador added. “The extension ensures continuity while providing greater security in their employment.”

The meeting also discussed cooperation on the health and well-being of the Filipino community in Italy, including concerns related to their lifespan. The Ambassador proposed collaboration on programs to support long-term health outcomes, which the Health Minister welcomed.

Both sides described the discussions as productive and forward-looking, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in healthcare, labor mobility, and community welfare.

The Health Minister was accompanied by Mr. Gabriele Altana, Diplomatic Advisor, while the Ambassador was accompanied by Consul General Randy B. Arquiza and Labor Attaché Teresa Lourdes D. Pimentel.END