Ambassador Fernandez, Rana Tanvir emphasize growing bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors
By Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of the Philippines in Pakistan Mr Emmanuel R. Fernandez hosted a reception at the Marriott Islamabad to mark 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence reaffirming his nation’s resolve in universal values of peaceful co-existence, respect for all nations, particularly strong and friendly ties with Pakistan.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain was the Chief Guest on the occasion while Presidential Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi attended as Guest of Honor and conveyed a special message from President Asif Ali Zardari.
The reception brought together senior government officials, diplomats, members of the business community, media representatives and the Filipino community residing in Pakistan.
In President Zardari’s message, Pakistan extended warm congratulations to the people and government of the Philippines on their Independence Day and underscored the enduring friendship between the two countries. The President noted that Pakistan and the Philippines would later this year commemorate 77 years of diplomatic relations, describing the partnership as one built on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to the well-being of their peoples.
Federal Minister Rana Tanvir also congratulated Ambassador Fernandez, his spouse and the Philippine nation on the occasion and highlighted the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and expressed confidence that the relationship would continue to grow in the years ahead.
He also expressed solidarity with the Filipino people following the recent earthquake in Mindanao and expressed Pakistan’s support for ongoing relief and recovery efforts. He noted the significant growth in bilateral trade, which increased from $143 million in Fiscal Year 2023 to $268.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025. He also welcomed the successful holding of the Second Meeting of the Pakistan–Philippines Joint Economic Commission in February 2026, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening economic ties.
The minister further congratulated the Philippines on hosting the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu under its ASEAN Chairmanship and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to deepen engagement with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
Earlier in his welcome address, Ambassador Fernandez reflected on the historic proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898 and paid tribute to the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom and nationhood. He emphasized that while nations today are more interconnected than ever before, the values of sovereignty, democracy and national resilience remain as relevant as they were more than a century ago.
Referring to the recent earthquake that struck southern Philippines, Ambassador Fernandez said the tragedy had deeply affected the Filipino people but also demonstrated their strength and determination in the face of adversity. He noted that resilience has long been a defining characteristic of the Filipino nation.
The ambassador also highlighted the growing partnership between Pakistan and the Philippines, pointing to the valuable contributions of more than 3,500 Filipinos living and working in Pakistan. He said both countries were actively pursuing greater cooperation in trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
The evening concluded with cultural performances and a showcase of traditional Philippine cuisine, providing guests with a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and vibrant culture while celebrating the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Philippines. The Philippines observes Independence Day every year on June 12, commemorating the 1898 declaration of independence and celebrating the enduring ideals of freedom, sovereignty and democracy.
