The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands officially launched “Orange Month” during its King’s Day Reception on April 24, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the Philippines.
The milestone traces back to May 17, 1951, when formal ties were established.
The reception, held in celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, brought together guests from the Philippine government, civil society, academe, and business sector. Members of the Dutch community in the Philippines later joined the festivities, led by the Dutch Club Philippines and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.
In her remarks, Ambassador Marielle Geraedts underscored the enduring foundations of bilateral cooperation, describing the relationship as a “partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for international law.”
In a video message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro highlighted the strong maritime connection between the two nations and noted the steady expansion of cooperation across various sectors. She emphasized that the Netherlands consistently ranks among the Philippines’ top foreign investors and is one of its leading trading partners within the European Union.
Ambassador Geraedts also pointed out that more than 150 Dutch companies operate in the Philippines, spanning industries such as semiconductors, water management, engineering, and food production.
A traveling exhibition was unveiled during the reception, showcasing decades of collaboration and shared experiences that have shaped the bilateral relationship. The exhibition will be featured in several venues throughout Orange Month, including Uptown Mall from May 4 to 7.
The embassy has also lined up a series of events, including a King’s Day Forum titled “Infra Done Right: Environmental, Social, and Governance Standards in Water Infrastructure and Development in the Philippines,” a film screening on May 8, and discussions promoting fact-based reporting on the West Philippine Sea and the rule of law.