By Monsi A. Serrano
Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts welcomed members of Global Women BPW Manila to her residence and commended the organization’s ongoing efforts to uplift and empower Filipino women. Stressing the importance of women supporting one another, she cited a well-known message often attributed to a former U.S. Secretary of State, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women.”
The ambassador outlined how the Netherlands continues to “punch above its weight” globally—serving as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products and a recognized leader in water management, innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. These strengths, she noted, help drive expanding cooperation between the Philippines and the Netherlands.
Promoting Peace, Maritime Security, and International Law
Ambassador Geraedts reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to helping the Philippines strengthen peace, maritime security, and adherence to international law, especially amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. As The Hague is home to the world’s leading international legal institutions, the Netherlands regularly provides expertise on maritime law and UNCLOS.
A recent Dutch Embassy seminar brought together Philippine Coast Guard personnel and law enforcement agencies to deepen their understanding of maritime rules and improve regional cooperation on maritime security.
Championing Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and Media Freedom in the Philippines
The ambassador emphasized that protecting human rights is a central mandate of Dutch foreign policy. In the Philippines, the Dutch Embassy continues to support initiatives promoting women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, media freedom, and the protection of human rights defenders.
She highlighted the embassy’s participation in the global campaign to end violence against women and the annual Human Rights Award, which recognizes outstanding civil society organizations. Last year’s Tulip Award, advocates for the rights of indigenous women. The next honoree will be announced on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Empowering the Next Generation of Filipina Leaders
Ambassador Geraedts shared the embassy’s flagship youth program, Girls’ Day, which allows high school students to shadow her and learn about diplomacy, foreign policy, and public service. During one visit, students were introduced to senior Department of Foreign Affairs officials, giving them firsthand exposure to how international relations and statecraft are practiced.
She also noted the embassy’s participation in the annual Gender Equality Run as part of its continuing advocacy to advance gender equality and broaden awareness of women’s rights.
Women in Diplomacy: Progress and Perspective
During a tour of the embassy’s Wall of Ambassadors—documenting 75 years of Dutch diplomatic leadership in the Philippines—the ambassador pointed out that the first female Dutch ambassador to Manila was appointed only in 2014. The milestone underscores that even progressive nations move gradually toward gender parity, yet maintain steady progress.
PH–Netherlands Partnership in Sustainable Development, Trade, and Investment
Ambassador Geraedts highlighted the expanding economic relationship between the Philippines and the Netherlands, particularly in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable development.
Dutch expertise in water management and flood control is currently being explored with Philippine government agencies, including NEDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways. The Netherlands’ advanced and efficient agricultural systems offer potential insights for improving productivity and food security in the Philippines.
The envoy also noted Dutch investments in Philippine manufacturing and semiconductor sectors. This includes an orthopedic shoe factory in Bulacan using advanced digital technology, as well as FrieslandCampina—the parent company of Alaska Milk—which continues to expand its presence in the country’s dairy industry. Dutch semiconductor firms also play a significant role in the Philippine electronics supply chain.
In the maritime sector, a long-standing partnership between the Netherlands and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy supports world-class training for Filipino cadets, many of whom proceed to careers aboard Dutch vessels.
High-Level Dutch Engagement Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Geraedts highlighted recent high-level visits that underscore the deepening Philippines–Netherlands partnership, including the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance, Queen Máxima’s global work on financial inclusion strongly aligns with ongoing efforts to expand women’s economic empowerment and provide underserved communities with greater access to financial tools.
Through these initiatives, Ambassador Geraedts illustrated how the Netherlands continues to champion women’s empowerment, human rights, and media freedom, while advancing trade, innovation, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development. These efforts reinforce the robust and steadily strengthening partnership between the Philippines and the Netherlands.