The Philippine Embassy in Madrid held its Annual Consultations with Philippine Consular Officers in Spain and Andorra on 19 September 2026 at Casa Filipinas en Madrid, bringing together the seven Philippine Honorary Consular Officers in Spain and Andorra, Attached Agencies and the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona (Barcelona PCG).
The consultation served as a key planning and coordination platform for the Philippines-Spain 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations in 2027, providing an opportunity to align priorities, exchange best practices, and identify concrete areas for cooperation and engagement.
In his remarks, H.E. Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier encouraged the Consular Officers to “take an active role in deepening and expanding cooperation between the Philippines and Spain to establish sustainable partnerships, concrete programs, and enduring relationships that can continue beyond 2027.”
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro of PCG Barcelona led discussions on current policies and procedures, the exchange of best practices, and concerns affecting the Filipino community. Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Mark Francis C. Hamoy chaired the sessions on coordinated programming and strategic planning for the 80th Anniversary commemorative activities.
The consultation explored a range of potential areas for collaboration, including the Maritime and Blue Economy, Renewable Energy, Innovation, Heritage and Culture, Digital Economy, Agriculture and Food Innovation, Eco-tourism, Marine Biodiversity, and Sustainable Tourism, among others.
The meeting also brought together representatives from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Philippine Department of Tourism – London, and Social Security System (SSS), highlighting the whole-of-government approach to advancing Philippine interests and strengthening engagement with Spain.
The Philippine Consular Officers in Bilbao, Las Palmas, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Sevilla, and Valencia travelled to Madrid for the said annual event.
The Philippines and Spain will mark the 80th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations in 2027, providing a significant opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the two countries while building new partnerships and initiatives for the years ahead.
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