H. E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya delivered an inspiring speech at a musical concert celebrating the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine’s independence. The event took place at the historic Kloosterkerk in The Hague on 28 May 2025.
The concert drew a delightful mix of people including ambassadors, diplomats, business people, academics, and many others who came together to enjoy the festivities.
Ambassador Malaya in his delivery:
“This year marks the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. This momentous event in 1898 is significant as it saw the establishment of the First Philippine Republic, which was then the first democratic republic in our part of the world. With “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History) as theme, we honor the sacrifices of our forebears in the struggle for nationhood, embracing their dedication to safeguarding freedom and constantly mustering collective courage as we chart the best future for the country.
And the Philippine Republic has remained strong and continues to thrive up to this day. With a GDP growth rate of 5.6% last year, the Philippine economy is one of the fastest growing in the Asian region. At the heart of this remarkable growth are several landmark policies and laws which have redefined the fiscal landscape and made it conducive for businesses, enabling the country to generate jobs and attract significant foreign investments. Also central to governance are efforts to continually reinforce democracy. Just two weeks ago, the country conducted an orderly and peaceful mid-term elections that were praised for the quick proclamation of those who won national positions.
Strong democracy, sound economic fundamentals, and the Philippines’ strong relations with bilateral and international partners hold the promise of a better Philippines in the years to come.
The Netherlands has been one of those that have been steadfast partners of the Philippines. We are grateful for the visit to Manila in May last year of HM Queen Maxima in her capacity as the UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for inclusive finance. The conduct of the Third Bilateral Consultations Meeting held in Manila in September, which was preceded by the inaugural meeting of the focal persons under the PH-NL MOU on economic and technical cooperation, gave renewed focus and vitality to the partnership. We are pleased to see Netherlands as one of the top five investor countries in the Philippines, which development has been facilitated by the proactive Philippine-Netherlands Business Council and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, based in Manila, some of whose members are here with us tonight. Our two countries mark 74 years of diplomatic relations this month of May, and we look forward to celebrating our 75th anniversary next year.
The Philippines in its foreign policy is committed to multilateralism as the bedrock by which nations can lift each other up — not just any multilateralism, but an open and inclusive one, in addressing the pressing issues of our times. On the critical issue of climate change, for instance, the Philippines is proud to been selected as the host of the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund, the vital international funding mechanism designed to help vulnerable nations recover from climate-related impacts. The Philippines is also highly supportive of the Common Fund for Commodities, based in Amsterdam, where I serve as the Chairperson of its Executive Board. We thank the 101 CFC Member Countries, many of whom are present here, for their solidarity in helping comprehensively address issues around commodity dependence and price volatility and bring fairness between the commodity producing and importing countries.
Being based in this City of Peace and Justice, adherence to international law and the rule of law is all the more important to all of us. That is why the Philippines values its close partnership with the various international organizations based here, notably the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Conference on Private International Law, The Hague Academy of International Law and also the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. We appreciate the conduct of two advanced courses of the Hague Academy led by Secretary General Thouvenin in February and November in Manila last year, the visit of PCA Secretary General Czepelak in August last year, and the visit two weeks ago of HCCH Secretary General Bernasconi, on which occasion the Philippine acceded to the Evidence Convention. Manila will also host next month a regional OPCW workshop for first responders. As you would note, the three Secretaries General all went to the Philippines in recent months, underscoring the shared vision we have with the organizations they represent and with all of you.
Sa aking minamahal na mga kababayan dito, taos puso po ang aming pasasalamat sa inyong pagsuporta at pakikiisa sa Embahada. Marami tayong naging kaganapan at pinagdadaanan rito, ngunit sa ating pag-unawa sa isa’t-isa at sa ating layuning itaguyod ang ating bansa, tayo po ay nananatiling maunawain at matulingin sa isat-isa.
The Embassy team chose a musical concert to celebrate our National Day because the love of music is innate in all of us. We believe that music has the capacity to connect and bring people together. It has the power to break down barriers and overcome differences between and among peoples. We may come from different countries and cultures, but through music we all speak the same language.
Tonight, we are pleased to present the Philippines’ foremost violinist, Mr. Diomedes Saraza, Jr. He arrived two days ago fresh as solo violinist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra during their nine-city tour of the UK a week ago. He will also indulge us with the Dutch love song “Mag ik dan Bij jou” (Can I be with you?) by Claudia de Breij, the fifth song in the program. He will be accompanied on the piano by the equally talented Shermaine Velasco. We will also hear a special performance by baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr.
It is the Embassy team’s hope that through this musical concert, we are able to convey our message of friendship, and most importantly our heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your solidarity, and our fondest wishes for the success of our joint endeavors.
Maraming salamat. Dank u wel. Thank you! Mabuhay!Long life to all!
