In photo: Outgoing Ambassador Rafael Harpaz with President Duterte in Malacanang during the presentation of credentials in 2018 (Photo courtesy of Israel Embassy Manila)
Ambassador Rafael Harpaz started his service in August 2018 as the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines. His first mission as the official escort of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his historic visit to Israel in the same year brought significant developments in the fields of cooperation including economy, agriculture, tourism, among others.
During the farewell meeting on June 16, 2021, President Duterte particularly noted Ambassador Harpaz’s key role in ensuring humane and orderly treatment of the overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel and the implementation of bilateral agreements on the temporary employment of Filipino home-based caregivers and workers in the hotel sector. The president also lauded the outgoing ambassador’s notable accomplishments in the strengthened relations between Israel and the Philippines in the areas of defense, business and innovation, agriculture, and labor migration.
“I’m ending my term as the Israeli ambassador in this beautiful country with the bilateral relations between Israel and the Philippines stronger,” outgoing Ambassador Rafael Harpaz said.
Israel’s Honorary Consulate in Mindanao based in Davao City, Israel’s Defense Attaché office, and Israel’s Economic and Commercial Mission office were opened respectively this year amidst the pandemic. “The embassy is expanding, which is an indication of the demand for cooperation and established relations between our countries,” Ambassador Harpaz explained.
Ambassador Harpaz played a key role in building connections between government organizations, businesses and chambers, religious organizations, non-profit organizations, and many more. This paved more opportunities for Israel to see the incentives of the Philippines, and likewise for the Philippines to be more aware of what Israel can offer.
In the middle of the pandemic, Ambassador Harpaz spearheaded Israel’s donation of medical supplies, testing kits, and educational equipment to help the Philippines combat COVID-19. A medical team from Israel also arrived in the Philippines to share lessons and best practices in the vaccination program and deployment.
“Ambassador Rafael Harpaz’s term was very fruitful. On behalf of the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, we would like to thank him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Mr. Nir Balzam, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the embassy expressed.
Outgoing Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines H.E. Rafael Harpaz was conferred with the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction, by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his farewell call in Malacanang. The Order of Sikatuna was awarded for his significant contributions to the enhancement of PH-Israel relations.
