When you listen to the story behind Mekeni Food Corporation president Pruds Garcia, it does not feel like a typical business narrative. It reads more like a story about people — about families who had to leave, quiet sacrifices, and a longing that never truly fades.

True to his name, Garcia embodies the values of P.R.U.D.S.: purpose, resiliency, uplifting others, discipline, and stewardship.

For many Filipinos, working abroad has never been just about ambition. It has always been about responsibility. Parents leave so their children can stay in school. Families are sustained from a distance. Their decision is anchored on two things: survival and hope — survival in enduring homesickness to provide, and hope in the promise of one day embracing loved ones again.

In an exclusive interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Garcia shared that Mekeni continues to create opportunities not only for employees, but also for vendors who support their own families through the business.

This reality has shaped not just livelihoods, but generations of consumers.

This writer remembers being an ordinary student, enjoying Mekeni tocino before school. Years later, meeting one of the pioneers of the Philippine food industry feels like a reminder that life often comes full circle, and that sometimes, the unexpected tells the best stories.

Garcia recalls how their journey began from the ground up after the 1991 Pinatubo eruption. He returned to the Philippines after a call from his father to help run the family business. It was not an easy choice, but driven by love for family and a sense of stewardship, he took the risk.

Over time, Mekeni found a deeper purpose. What they built was not just a food brand, but something that reconnects people to where they came from.

“We want to bring back the memories back home, because we realize people who are working abroad do not [always] have the chance to go home.”

That intention became real in a chance encounter. Garcia once met a Filipino in the United States buying Mekeni’s fish balls and kikiam.

It was a simple moment, but meaningful. The man shared how the products had been part of his early struggles in the Philippines: “I want to tell the story to my family, and now they are also benefiting [from the fruits of the struggles], and they have a good life in the United States.”

Stories like this reinforced a deeper truth. Garcia even handed his business card to the man and encouraged him to learn more about the company’s journey, emphasizing that, “when they see the product from the Philippines to create memories, this is not by accident.”

Through something as simple as food, fragments of home are restored. A meal becomes a memory. A familiar taste brings back stories long untold. Even from across the world, people remain connected.

This perspective also shapes Garcia’s leadership. For him, resilience is learned and lived.

He shared another deeply personal story: After 23 years, they were blessed with a daughter, Faith.

She became a reminder to never give up, to keep believing even when the odds seem impossible. That same belief continues to guide how decisions are made and how the company moves forward.

Even in uncertain times, the focus is not just survival, but purpose: building a community that grows with impact. More than four decades of commitment to food safety and quality have positioned Mekeni as a pillar of the Philippine food manufacturing industry, bringing staple products across the country and to Filipinos worldwide.

Looking ahead, the company is eyeing expansion into Taiwan and Hong Kong to serve overseas Filipino workers.

In the end, Mekeni’s story reminds us that home is not always a place we can return to.

Sometimes, it is something we carry, with every shared meal, every memory, and every intention shaped by care.

And in its #TimplangAtin, that sense of home endures — even from miles away.

“SwissCham is creating a platform where leaders can exchange practical insights on how to build strong organizations and more resilient teams,” – H.E. Nicolas Brühl, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines.

In an era of rapid automation and AI, leaders are being challenged to put people back at the center of transformation.

For Sara Odebunmi, chief diversity officer & senior member of management at Partners Group, AI should “support people to create better service and efficiencies,” not replace them. Trust, she said, must be intentionally built so teams are willing to reskill and embrace change.

This echoes the message of People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) President Gilbert T. Camasura, who highlighted the idea of “humanITy” — human-centric leadership that embraces innovation.

“Technology will continue to enable us, but people will continue to lead your organizations,” Camasura said.

Against this backdrop, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham PH), in partnership with Partners Group, convened leaders for the first session of its “Leadership Conversations Series: Peak Performance in Practice” on March 11 in BGC.

“SwissCham is creating a platform where leaders can exchange practical insights on how to build strong organizations and more resilient teams,” said Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines Nicolas Brühl.

Held during International Women’s Month, the event also recognized leaders championing inclusive and effective leadership through people and culture development.

The gathering also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SwissCham PH and PMAP, formalizing collaboration to advance progressive people practices across organizations.

Camasura noted that effective leadership must continue to evolve, emphasizing that the true “currency” of business lies in people, not profit alone.

“Taking inclusive leadership will also mean greater innovation, allowing people to really cultivate what is there,” he said.

Speakers stressed that leaders today must guide a multi-generational workforce — from baby boomers to Gen Z — while adapting to automation and shifting talent demands.

Organizations can no longer rely solely on compensation, job descriptions, or rigid structures. Instead, employees increasingly seek purpose, psychological safety, and a sense of belonging to remain engaged.

“One of the highest factors that pushes employees to leave is not the company, it’s the leader,” Camasura added.

Values alignment also emerged as critical. Dr. Diana M. Edralin, general manager of Roche (Philippines) Inc., shared that when personal values no longer resonate with an organization’s culture, friction inevitably arises.

“Values are the things that I continue to hold on to as a person, and it continues to be my North Star in my working life,” said Edralin, emphasizing excellence and integrity with her purpose as a servant leader.

She also underscored the need to expand the blueprint for creative leadership, moving away from reactive, fear-based environments toward cultures where innovation can thrive.

In such environments, creativity, psychological safety, and shared values allow people to experiment, challenge ideas, and co-create solutions.

For leaders, the challenge is ensuring that purpose, integrity, and organizational mission are consistently embedded in everyday decision-making. When employees feel safe to speak openly, challenge ideas, and offer feedback, organizations unlock greater creativity, resilience, and ultimately, peak (happiness) performance.

With escalating conflict in the Middle East, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said Ramadan and the Christian observance of Lent offer an opportunity for shared reflection.

“Events like this are so important, especially in a day and age where there are so many upheavals in the global world,” he said at a recent reception, gathering members of the media and guests for an iftar celebration.

Ramadan, he noted, goes far beyond fasting, reminding people of the importance of generosity and compassion toward others.

“Ramadan is not only about being able to fast from dawn to dusk but also about cultivating empathy, gratitude, and self-discipline,” said Castelino. He emphasized that gatherings such as iftar reflect “the universal values of kindness, generosity and inclusivity.”

For the ambassador, Ramadan’s message transcends religion, noting that many of the guests attending the embassy event were not Muslims but joined in solidarity, saying: “A Muslim is anchored in peace, harmony and respect for everyone regardless of your race, your creed or even your religion.”

Being a warm host using gastrodiplomacy as a tool for unity, the ambassador described the dishes as “a glimpse of what we hope to allow you to savor in Malaysia,” inviting visitors to explore Malaysia.

“Coming together as Muslims and Christians, especially in this holy month for both religions, we can actually foster a greater understanding of peace and harmony.” He added that peace can only be achieved if societies “truly understand and respect each other’s values and customs, and of course, religion.”

As guests shared plates of chicken satay and cups of sweet teh tarik, the evening became more than a shared iftar meal – it served a quiet reminder that in a world often divided by tensions, moments of camaraderie around the table can still nurture understanding, goodwill, and unity among nations.

“With 70 years of friendship behind us, let us make our tapestry of friendship a lasting heritage of harmony. What future generations can cherish.”

These words from Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo set the tone for an evening of remembrance and renewal as diplomats, lawmakers, and distinguished guests gathered in Manila on Tuesday to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Imperial Majesty and the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan friendship.

In his remarks, Endo looked back at the difficult post-war years that eventually gave way to one of the Philippines’ most enduring partnerships. He noted that “our history is marked by our commitment to peace, reconciliation, and cooperation,” recalling President Elpidio Quirino’s 1953 pardon of Japanese prisoners of war and the 1956 reparations agreement that paved the way for reconciliation and collaboration.

Today, that reconciliation has evolved into a multifaceted partnership spanning development, security, and people-to-people ties.

The ambassador underscored that “Japan has been a steadfast partner in the Philippines development through official development assistance,” citing major infrastructure projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway. He added that growing security cooperation—including joint exercises and official security assistance—“has also contributed to the strengthening of the Philippines defense capabilities.”

Beyond government cooperation, ties between the two nations continue to deepen through tourism and cultural exchange. Nearly 900,000 Filipino visitors traveled to Japan last year, reflecting what the envoy described as “the warmth and curiosity that strengthen our hearts.”

Endo also welcomed the Philippines’ planned participation in Green Expo 2027 in Yokohama, saying, “I look forward to the Philippines showcasing biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices, and its natural beauty there.”

In a virtual message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro echoed the spirit of the celebration, noting that milestones in Japan-Philippines relations are not mere historical markers but living proof of a partnership strengthened by decades of cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability.

She said Japan’s support in moments of crisis demonstrates the “true depth of character” in the relationship. As the Philippines serves as ASEAN chair this year, Lazaro added that Japan remains a steadfast partner supporting ASEAN centrality and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The evening itself reflected the cultural warmth of the relationship. Guests enjoyed seafood, strawberries, sushi, and sake “straight from the heart of Japan,” alongside cultural performances that brought Japanese traditions to Manila.

Even as shifting geopolitics and high-level diplomacy continue to dominate headlines, children — not strategy or statecraft — took center stage in Twin Lakes Hotel Tagaytay at the exclusive screening of “Hope for the Dawn to Come” Wednesday.

Marking the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost to the day, diplomats and guests reacted not with policy analysis, but with emotion, to the first Philippine-produced documentary on Ukraine by THEPHILBIZNEWS.

They described the documentary as a timely and meaningful contribution to international dialogue on the ongoing war in Ukraine. They noted the film powerfully redirects attention to what world leaders should prioritize: the young lives shaped and scarred by conflict.

Ambassador Nicholas Brühl of Switzerland said he was deeply moved, calling the film “really, really touching” and highly relevant.

He expressed gratitude to the filmmakers and stressed that such films deserve wider international screening, including in the Philippines and Europe.

Highlighting the focus on children, he noted that war leaves lasting impact on young lives and praised the resilience, determination, and impressive communication skills of the students featured.

He described the documentary as “a wonderful lesson” and commended the production team for their courage in presenting the realities on the ground.

A historical document of resilience

Ambassador Davide Giglio of Italy underscored continued international solidarity with Ukraine, noting that the conflict has persisted for four years and continues to bring profound humanitarian consequences.

He described the film as an important historical document that reflects resilience, particularly among the younger generation.

Emphasizing the importance of unity and diplomacy, he said sustained dialogue and international cooperation remain essential in pursuing a peaceful resolution.

He also highlighted the value of raising awareness about the realities of war to encourage constructive engagement.

Safeguarding the future generation

For Oleksander Lysak, first secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines, the documentary captured what statistics and geopolitical debates often overlook: the lived realities of children who represent Ukraine’s future.

He stressed that the documentary powerfully captures the current realities in Ukraine, particularly the experiences of children. He expressed concern over the long-term impact of the war on young people and thanked the international community for its continued support.

He called for ongoing solidarity and awareness, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding education, identity, and the future generation amid continuing challenges.

Educator Dr. Denise Brühl commended the documentary’s focus on children’s rights, particularly their right to education and to shape their own future. She said the film clearly demonstrates how young Ukrainians continue to pursue learning, career aspirations, and personal growth despite difficult circumstances.

Describing the documentary as inspiring and meaningful, she encouraged broader international screenings to deepen public understanding and appreciation of the resilience shown by students and communities.

Representing the private sector, Rowena Relucio, General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel, described the film as eye-opening and said it enhanced awareness of the ongoing crisis.

Expressing hope for peace and recovery, she emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation, responsible storytelling, and collective efforts to support humanitarian understanding.

For his part, Monsi Alfonso Serrano, founder of THEPHILBIZNEWS and film producer and director, said that this legacy project was painstakingly completed for more than three years to challenge the Filipino youth and learn from the courage, perseverance, and resilience of the Ukrainian school children who remain focused in pursuing their dreams while studying in the midst of the war.

The United Kingdom formally relaunched its enhanced Growth and Investment Partnership Plus (GIP+) with the Philippines on February 23, signaling a shift from policy planning to concrete project delivery across clean energy, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

The relaunch, held at a reception hosted by the British Embassy in Manila, coincided with UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra’s first official visit to the Philippines and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“For eight decades, the UK and the Philippines have been close and reliable partners, united by shared values, close economic ties, and a commitment to a stable, prosperous Indo Pacific, a region which will shape more than half of global growth by 2050,” Minister Malhotra said.

The renewed partnership aims to mobilize public and private capital, technical expertise, and regulatory support to accelerate investments in clean energy, clean water, transport infrastructure, and capital markets reform. It also seeks to unlock private capital flows and strengthen regulatory frameworks, including support for transformational infrastructure initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Malhotra emphasized that deepening bilateral cooperation comes at a critical time.

“Today, we celebrate our enduring friendship with the Philippines as we look this week to how we can take our partnership to the next level, underpinned by shared purpose and our strong and thriving people-to-people links,” she added.

She said this is why GIP+ will be a next chapter is rooted in action. When the Philippines signaled its intention to open its economy and attract greater investment, the UK moved quickly to support that vision.

The UK’s engagement has expanded across sectors — from greener transport and sustainable finance to climate resilience programs that translate policy alignment into tangible outcomes. According to Malhotra, UK-backed cooperation has already produced measurable results.

“Working together has helped the Philippines write its first national plan for dealing with climate impacts and set up a platform to bring in $250 million for farming to provide greater resilience with a changing climate,” she said.

Calling the relaunch a defining moment, Malhotra stressed the urgency of moving forward, she said, “this is the moment to turn plans into action and plans into results.”

Looking ahead, she framed GIP+ as a long-term strategic investment.

“As we look to the next 80 years of bilateral relations, the choices and the investments we make today will be the foundation on which future generations will build, ensuring a better future for our people and a more sustainable and secure world,” she said.

In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding, and rising global uncertainty, a new Filipino civic collective is placing its bet on the country’s youngest voters.

Team Pinas formally launched on February 19 in Manila, positioning itself as a multidisciplinary platform committed to strengthening democratic institutions, defending sovereignty, and advancing diplomacy-centered solutions to both local and international challenges.

But beyond policy papers and diplomatic receptions, its long-term focus is clear: mobilizing the “GenZennial” bloc in the run-up to the 2028 presidential elections.

The launch reception gathered members of the diplomatic corps, cross-sectoral leaders, and civic advocates. Among those present were H.E. Yuliia Fediv, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Philippines, and officials from the embassies of Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, signalling that Team Pinas intends to situate Philippine democracy within a broader regional and global conversation.

Composed of Filipino scholars, policy experts, legal advocates, security specialists, and civic organizers, Team Pinas Foundation describes itself as research-driven but action-oriented. It integrates policy analysis, public education, and grassroots engagement; this structure is meant to move democracy beyond slogans and into sustained civic participation.

According to Dr. Gary Ador Dionisio, Lead Convenor and Dean of the Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, the initiative traces back to a moment of political reckoning he witnessed abroad.

While at Georgetown University during the 2024 United States presidential election, Dionisio observed widespread frustration and despair among students and faculty — an atmosphere that prompted him to convene Filipino experts across disciplines to prevent similar democratic backsliding in the Philippines.

Inspired by La Liga Filipina, the reformist movement founded by José Rizal in 1892, Team Pinas seeks to transform citizens from passive observers into active participants in nation-building. Its leadership underscores that democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone, but must be reinforced by institutions, the rule of law, and civic consciousness.

Dionisio outlined the group’s guiding principles: strengthening democratic institutions; upholding the rule of law nationally and internationally; mainstreaming human rights; defending and protecting the West Philippine Sea, including resistance to foreign intervention and malign influence; supporting the passage of an anti-dynasty law; encouraging the election of a president in 2028 who is not from a political dynasty; and mobilizing Gen Z and millennial voters — the so-called GenZennial bloc.

“There is a need of support from the diplomatic community, especially in the case of China as the bully,” Dionisio said. “We also invited ASEAN member states, because we are basically leading the conference this year. Both national international community… it’s about competitive advantage. We look at the regional and the global perspective, [especially in looking at] internationl relations as part and parcel right now of public administration.”

Team Pinas advocates diplomatic engagement through partnerships with embassies, ASEAN member states, and the broader international community. Leaders have publicly affirmed support for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, framing international law and diplomacy as essential tools in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.

Yet it is the GenZennial strategy that gives the initiative its forward-looking edge.

During a fireside chat at the launch, core members emphasized that protecting democracy is not merely about winning the next election, but about sustaining democratic culture for generations. The proposed “GenZennial Tour” aims to establish campus-based and community chapters nationwide, conduct voter education drives, and campaign on data-driven information well beyond the 2028 elections.

Organizers noted that student participants during their 2025 midterm voter education initiatives demonstrated a sophisticated grasp of political challenges and openly rejected the status quo — a sign, they believe, that the next electoral cycle could be shaped by a more discerning and globally aware electorate.

Leaders are careful to clarify that Team Pinas is not a political party, but a “movement of conscience” grounded in law, diplomacy, and democratic reform.

“This civic movement will be truth tellers that are based on facts, not propaganda,” organizers said, describing their role as bridge-builders committed to strengthening both national institutions and the Philippines’ standing in the international community.

As 2028 looms on the horizon, Team Pinas is positioning itself at the intersection of diplomacy and democracy — and at the heart of a generation that will soon hold decisive electoral power.

Let the countdown begin for Year of the Fire Horse – as it brings soul-warming treats. Expected to bring experiences with courage, ambition, and adventure, this Lunar New Year is all about welcoming what’s next with dedication and intention.

Celebrate the season at Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel with their 2026 Chinese New Year dining experience at Lung Hin, where every dish is rooted in tradition and elevated through flavor. Here’s what you can expect: 

ALA CARTE MENU

• Duo Celebration Nian Gao – ₱188
• Five-Grained Fried Rice with Taro & Chinese Sausage – ₱1,288
• Sweetened Ginger Broth with Glutinous Rice Dumplings – ₱238
• Wok-Fried Prawns & Sea Conch with XO Sauce – ₱1,888
• Baked Yellow Croacher with Garden Salad – ₱1,688
• Prosperity “Lo Hei” Platter – ₱2,288

2026 YEAR OF THE HORSE PROSPERITY SET MENU

• Signature Peking duck
• Braised spinach soup with assorted seafood
• Wok-fried scallops and squid with garden greens in xo sauce
• Wok-fried beef tenderloin with black pepper and calamansi
• Steamed wild-caught grouper fillet with homemade salted kiat-kiat
• Deep-fried pork spareribs with red wine glaze
• Stir-fried minced duck lettuce wrap
• Five-grained fried rice with taro & chinese sausage
• Golden sesame ball, lotus seed
• Duo chinese new year cakes
• Pan-fried chinese new year of rice cake & water chestnut cakes

10 pax/table ₱42,888

5 pax/table ₱21, 888

*All are inclusive of 12% VAT and applicable government taxes.

For more information, contact (02) 720-777 or email lunghin.mnl@marcopolohotels.com.

Indeed, it’s a perfect time to gather around the table with your loved ones to share meaningful dishes and start the year fueled by great food, good energy, and unforgettable moments. Join Feng Shui Master Master Joseph Chau as he leads the celebration in welcoming the #YearoftheFireHorse at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila on February 17, 2026 (Tuesday).

May this new lunar year be filled with prosperity, luck, and success – Gong Xi Fa Cai!

#LungHin #ChineseNewYear #MarcoPoloOrtigasManila

India marked its 77th Republic Day in Manila by highlighting its rapid, people-centric economic progress and its expanding strategic partnership with the Philippines, as officials from both countries underscored shared democratic values and growing cooperation across defense, trade, and people-to-people ties.

“India and the Philippines are friends by choice, and partners by destiny,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message quoted during the celebration hosted by the Embassy of India at Shangri-La The Fort on Monday, attended by diplomats, government officials, business leaders, media, and members of the Indian community.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain described the occasion as “a renewed affirmation of India’s enduring commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and inclusive development.”

He said India stands “at a pivotal moment in its growth,” driven by innovation, digital public infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.

He stressed that India’s development model remains “people-centric,” aligned with global priorities such as climate action, resilient supply chains, food and health security, and digital inclusion.

The ambassador linked this progress to New Delhi’s growing global role and to its deepening ties with Manila.

Jain recalled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India in August 2025, when both countries elevated relations to a strategic partnership.

The declaration, he said, reflected “not only a growing convergence of interests, but also a shared vision for stability, resilience and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Agreements reached during the visit covered defense and maritime cooperation, legal assistance, science and technology, tourism, digital innovation, space, and cultural exchange.

Representing the Philippine government, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Theresa Dizon-de Vega said India’s Republic Day ideals of “justice, liberty, equality, and dignity” resonate deeply with Filipinos, shaped by their own struggle for independence and democratic values.

She welcomed India as “a key pillar of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” adding that together, the two countries “strengthen regional stability, promote peace and prosperity, support ASEAN centrality, and uphold a rules-based order.”

De Vega reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to expanding cooperation in defense, security, and the maritime domain, saying both nations remain “steadfast in upholding regional security, international law and stability.”

She also highlighted people-to-people links, including the resumption of direct flights between Manila and Delhi, along with expanding trade, tourism, and educational exchanges.

She expressed optimism about the trajectory of ties, saying: “We are friends by choice. We are partners by destiny, and we are charting the way forward to an even more multifaceted, impactful, and strong partnership.”

India and the Philippines, which established diplomatic relations in 1949, now describe their ties as a broadening strategic partnership that spans trade, investment, defense cooperation, and cultural exchanges — a relationship both sides increasingly frame as anchored in shared democratic values and a common stake in a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

As Austria and the Philippines approach the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026, Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger highlighted the growing economic cooperation that has become a cornerstone of the bilateral partnership. He noted that an increasing number of Austrian companies are investing in the Philippines, recognizing the country’s strategic role as a logistics and business hub in Southeast Asia. Ongoing EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement negotiations further underscore the potential for deeper trade engagement and long-term confidence in the Philippine market.

The Austrian envoy also reflected on the broad areas of cooperation between Austria and the Philippines—including trade, culture, education, and humanitarian initiatives. As the two nations approach their milestone 80th anniversary in 2026, Amb. Brieger underscored a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a steadily expanding scope of economic and cultural engagement.

“Economic collaboration is key to sustaining and expanding our nearly eight decades of partnership,” Ambassador Brieger said, emphasizing that investment ties are central to Austria’s vision for the Philippines.

While economic engagement takes center stage, the ambassador also highlighted cultural and people-to-people exchanges that continue to reinforce bilateral ties. Initiatives such as the revival of the Vienna Ball in Manila, the Eurovision 2025 victory of Filipino-Austrian artist Johannes “JJ” Pietsch, and the contributions of around 30,000 Filipinos living in Austria serve as vital bridges between the two nations.

Humanitarian cooperation remains another pillar of engagement. Austria, together with the European Union, has provided over ₱100 million in aid for communities affected by earthquakes and typhoons, while initiatives supporting Overseas Filipino Workers—including tailored Pre-Departure Seminars developed with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)—demonstrate Austria’s commitment to the welfare of Filipinos abroad.

On the multilateral front, Ambassador Brieger reaffirmed Austria and the Philippines’ shared commitment to international law, regional stability, and the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Austria’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 reflects its dedication to fostering dialogue, peace, and collaboration alongside trusted partners like the Philippines.

As the two countries count down to their 80th anniversary, Ambassador Johann Brieger continues to champion a bilateral relationship defined by enduring friendship, strong economic collaboration, and shared commitment to global cooperation.