Officials from government, business, media, and the diplomatic corps attended the event, including Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Massimo Santoro, Gilberto Fonseca Guimaraes de Moura, Smiljana Knez, and Marielle Geraedts.

In his remarks, NRDC President and CEO Benjamin Turgano cited Ambassador Matache’s role in strengthening academic and intellectual exchange between Romania and the Philippines, underscoring that diplomacy extends beyond formal channels into education, research, and the exchange of ideas.

He highlighted the envoy’s support in forging institutional ties, including the partnership between Wesleyan University Philippines and the Banat University of Life Sciences in Timișoara, which helped pave the way for Philippine participation in the Erasmus Mundus Programme.

“What we honor is not measured solely in formal agreements, but in the strengthening of human connections—dialogue, trust, and shared aspirations,” Turgano said.

He also linked the ambassador’s work to NRDC’s mandate of advancing sustainable and equitable resource development, emphasizing that stewardship of natural resources is both a national responsibility and a form of global diplomacy anchored on intergenerational equity.

Meanwhile, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez echoed this, commending Ambassador Matache for advancing academic collaboration and reinforcing the role of universities in building lasting international partnerships.

In her response, Ambassador Matache expressed gratitude to her Philippine counterparts, particularly in the academic community, for fostering cooperation between the two countries.

She described the Philippines as a “second home,” citing the warmth and openness of Filipinos, and recalled her cultural experiences—including enjoying local delicacies such as ginataang bilo-bilo.

“The Philippines has become our second home because of the friendships we have built,” she said, affirming Romania’s continued commitment as a partner and friend.

Ambassador Matache began her Philippine posting in December 2021 and holds concurrent accreditation to Palau, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.