By Marinel Peroy
To celebrate 52 years of diplomatic relations, a cultural exchange and collaborative initiative happened in the first-ever Philippine-Romania Friendship Week 2024.
The 2-day event was spearheaded by the Embassy of Romania in Manila and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) from April 16-17, with the theme of “Engaging the Stakeholders with a Sense of Commitment and Genuine Partnership”.
It’s a reaffirmation of how Romania cherishes ties with the Philippines with an incredible culmination of cultural and knowledge exchange through a series of presentations, film showing, heartfelt “kumustahan” sessions with OFWs, and food tasting.
Held at the Department of Migrant Workers Compound in Mandaluyong City, the 2-day friendship week event highlights cultural diversity and strengthens the camaraderie, mutual respect, and trust between Romania and the Philippines.
Romania-Phl expands cooperation
During her remarks, the Romanian Ambassador in the Philippines, H.E. Răduţa Dana Matache, expressed her excitement as 2024 seems to be a big year for both Romania and the Philippines. Exciting business, job, and even cultural exchange opportunities await for both Romania and the Philippines this year.
According to H.E. Matache, Romania has recently joined the Schengen area, partially, there is free movement of labor. This is a great achievement for Romania, especially as a Member State of the European Union, paving the way for travel convenience and entry requirements for travelers and migrants alike. Furthermore, the envoy shared a good news to the Friendship Week attendees:
“The Philippines is going to reopen its embassy in Bucharest this year…Let me just say that both the Department of Migrant Workers and the private sector do support the Department for Foreign Affairs in their commendable efforts to reopen the embassy in Bucharest as this is in your own interest, as far as Romanians are concerned,” said Ambassador Matache.
The celebration was graced by Embassy of Romania Dignitaries, DMW Officials, and Other Honorable guests — such as Deputy Head of Mission William Korbl, General Manager Yosef Gavriel Peisakh, Consular Officer and Head of Administration Anamaria Jitcovici, Director Francisco Aguilar Jr., Officer-In-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac, Asec. Mario Perpetuo Socorro Zinampan, Usec. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Jose Riego Bocobo, and the Labor Mobility Team from the International Organization for Migration.
The entertainment and real fun started with the showcase of talents from the Philippines as portrayed by UP Filipiniana Dance Group for a Tinikling Traditional Dance, and Romania with three folk songs from the Gorg Area, sung by Honorary Consul Daniela Coman.
Moreover, a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled various artworks depicting the real wealth of Romania: the picturesque landscapes, attractions, and even our very own compatriots, the Filipino Migrant Workers, who are synergistically involved and found a home away from home in Romania.
Below are some featured attractions or structural heritage at DMW venue:
- Transfăgărășan – paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. Its road stretches 90 km and is the second highest mountain pass, following Transalpina.
- Peleș Castle – a Neo-Renaissance palace and was constructed by King Carol I of Romania.
- Monastery of Moldovița – Romanian Orthodox monastery and was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993.
More information about Romania was debunked as timely topics were discussed through presentation segment topics: Getting To Know Romania, Labor Market Opportunities, Safe Migration and Fair and Ethical Recruitment, Living In Romania, Success Stories of OFWs in Romania (featuring Jennifer Anova and Ann Tomasa), Impressions and Opinions of Foreigners to Romania, and Learning the Basic Romanian Language.
Looking ahead, the Romania-Philippine friendship promises more festivals and collaborative initiatives awaiting discovery. As both nations continue to explore avenues with additional projects lined with shared advocacies, the strong diplomatic relationship will flourish further in 2024. Thus, Romania and the Philippines deepen their understanding, appreciation, and solidarity, paving the way for a brighter and more interconnected future together.
Buna Ziua Pilipinas, Mabuhay Romania!