Au revoir

This is the forty-third and last time that my words appear in this column (for now, at least). As I type these signs today on my AZERTY keyboard (wink to Butch Dalisay!), I reminisce about my first contribution on the 23rd of February 2021: “EU-Philippines: Nurturing ties that bind” – homage to one of my heroes, Bruce Springsteen. I was a neophyte or “bagong-salta” back then, and I expressed my faith and program as EU Ambassador to the Philippines. Grounding all these plans was the eagerness to engage in meaningful dialogue with Filipinos from all walks of life, and to listen to different stories and histories.

Three and a half years later, these words have stood true as a testament to the tireless and ongoing efforts to nurture and further strengthen the ties that bind the EU and the Philippines. Our vision of celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations had been a dream turned reality in 2024.

As it stands, this relationship represents a beacon of cooperation underpinned by shared values. While the changing times have led to a more complex global system, what remains the same is the foundation of maintaining people-to-people connections and the strategic interest that the EU has in a stable, prosperous and secure Philippines. For instance, the implementation of GSP+ is a nod to this, especially in protecting human rights, practicing good governance and pursuing sustainable development. This flourishes into strengthened multilateralism and cooperation on regional and global issues, which manifest in different areas of partnership.

My tenure began during the challenging period of COVID-19, which demanded prompt action to recover significant losses and promote health amid the hardships faced by many countries. Despite our own difficulties to secure vaccinations at the office for our loved ones, and ourselves, the EU and several EU states banded together to contribute millions of vaccine doses to the country in a show of solidarity. At this critical period, it was our mutual interest to end the pandemic rapidly.

The promotion of stronger economic ties through bilateral trade and investment has also been key to our efforts. The EU is the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner, with a total of trade in goods amounting to 16.1-billion euros in 2023. The EU has contributed significantly to foreign direct investment, providing jobs and boosting the local economy. In pursuit of even greater heights, negotiations have also resumed for the establishment of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement last March.

As regards EU-ASEAN relations, the Philippines has demonstrated its vital role as the country coordinator by effectively facilitating dialogue, fostering consensus in joint statements and enhancing mutual understanding, even in challenging situations. With these important duties, the Philippines has been a real partner in our broader relationship with the ASEAN.

Another significant area of focus has been our work in humanitarian aid and emergency response. The EU has played a crucial role in delivering relief and support to vulnerable areas in the Philippines affected by natural disasters and conflicts. Our emergency assistance has been vital in rebuilding communities and restoring livelihoods in various vulnerable regions of the country.

The EU has numerous projects with stakeholders across the whole country. Through the Global Gateway initiative for example, we address global challenges by promoting sustainable infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity and bolster climate resilience. We have pursued an enduring synergy in the realm of green and digital economies, emphasizing sustainable practices, renewable energy and environmental conservation, including through our Copernicus earth observation program. None of this would be possible without true partnership with local stakeholders such as various local officials and government agencies.

For many years, the EU has also been active in supporting the peace-building process in Mindanao, in which we remain committed to safeguarding peace and security in the many years to come. I have had the honor of visiting the region various times, to the southernmost islands in the Philippines, including Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.

An Ambassador should not be tied solely to his desk. While this is a big part of the job, it is as important (if not much more) to go outside and build bridges face to face. This has been my primary motivation to explore 60 provinces around the Philippines – a perfect number to symbolize our 60th anniversary.

A diplomatic posting is an apt metaphor for human life. We know that our time is counted: we have a number of days and hours to accomplish what we are set to do. More than this, we are always guests in this world. The goal and expectation is to feel welcome as a guest (and Filipinos make you feel welcome beyond expectations!). In this way, it is important to be polite and, when appropriate, humorous – not taking ourselves too seriously. We should aim to be both witty and approachable, friendly yet never too familiar. We never take sides in family disputes and often have to sing for our supper. We break bread, or rather, eat rice, with everyone.

As in any ending, one might reflect on what is left behind – Ambassadors do not have a “legacy.” We cannot brag about how bilateral relations have boomed during our tenure. Not out of modesty, but because the role of a head of mission is just that of a shepherd: the shepherd of his team, of his house and of the relations he is entrusted with. It is to be a shepherd, and then pass the baton – or should I say the crook – to our successor. Our only ambition must be that the team, the house and the relations are in a slightly better shape than when we found them. At this juncture, hours before flying out, I just hope that is so.

Maraming salamat, Pilipinas! This is not a “Goodbye,” but “Au revoir.”