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Draft:Embassy of the Philippines, Riyadh

Coordinates: 24°40′58″N 46°37′46.5″E / 24.68278°N 46.629583°E / 24.68278; 46.629583
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Embassy of the Philippines, Riyadh
Pasuguan ng Pilipinas sa Riyadh
سفارة الفلبين في الرياض
Philippine Embassy Chancery and Multipurpose Building
LocationRiyadh
Address3479 Arradaef Street, As Safara, Riyadh 12512-7474
Coordinates24°40′58″N 46°37′46.5″E / 24.68278°N 46.629583°E / 24.68278; 46.629583
AmbassadorRommel A. Romato (Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.)
Websitewww.riyadhpe.dfa.gov.ph

The Embassy of the Philippines in Saudi Arabia is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established on December 23, 1973 in Jeddah, the embassy is now located in the Diplomatic Quarter district in Riyadh.

The embassy also covers Philippine interests in the Republic of Yemen. It maintains an Honorary Consulate in Sana'a.

History[edit]

The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in October 1969, following its recognition of the Kingdom on November 15, 1946. The first Philippine mission opened in Jeddah on December 23, 1973.[1]

A 1983 Royal Decree by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud mandated the relocation of all diplomatic missions to Riyadh, the new capital city. The Philippine government acquired land through a formal agreement in 1985. The embassy temporarily operated in the King Fahd Quarter beginning July 1985 while the new chancery was constructed in the Diplomatic Quarter.

In 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos laid the cornerstone for the new embassy buildings. The new chancery was inaugurated in 1996 under Ambassador Romulo M. Espaldon.

Buildings[edit]

The Philippine Embassy Chancery and the Official Residence are based on the iconic buildings and complex designed by the architect and Philippine National Artist Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa who designed the famous EDSA Shrine and Coconut Palace in the Philippines.

In 2022, under the leadership of Ambassador Adnan Alonto, the Philippine Government constructed the Multipurpose Hall inside the embassy compound. The building is currently used as a sports center and consular office.[2]

Leaders[edit]

Head of Mission[edit]

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is currently headed by Mr. Rommel Romato, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.[3]

Other diplomatic staff[edit]

Embassy sections[edit]

  • Political Affairs Section
  • Economic Affairs Section
  • Consular Section
    • Assistance to Nationals Unit
    • Visa Services
    • Notarial Services
  • Public and Cultural Affairs Section
  • Administrative Section
  • Foreign Liaison Office
  • Migrant Workers Office (Labor Attaché)
  • Philippine Trade and Investment Center (Commercial Attaché)
  • Police Attaché

There are also Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah and an Honorary Consulate in Sana'a, Yemen.

Activities[edit]

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. meets with Philippine Embassy officials and staff and the Filipino community on the sidelines of the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh on October 20, 2023.[4]

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh serves as a lifeline for Filipinos in Saudi Arabia. It protects the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through labor assistance programs and promotes their well-being with cultural events and reintegration initiatives.[5] The embassy also facilitates a smooth Hajj experience for Filipino Muslims and assists Filipino scholars pursuing educational opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Looking beyond needs of overseas Filipinos in the Kingdom, the embassy fosters trade and business partnerships between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia and Yemen.[6] It promotes the Philippines as a tourist destination and connects Filipino professionals with their Saudi and Yemeni counterparts. By offering targeted support for nurses and engineers, the embassy ensures a smooth transition for these in-demand professionals.

The Philippine Embassy serves as a bridge, fostering connections and safeguarding the interests of Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

List of Philippine ambassadors to Saudi Arabia (1973–present)[edit]

Ambassador Tenure Note(s)
H.E. Lininding Pangandaman 1973–1981
H.E. Benjamin Romualdez 1981–1982
H.E. Alejandro Yango 1982–1985
H.E. Mauyag Tamano 1985–1989
H.E. Abraham Rasul 1989–1993
H.E. Romulo Espaldon 1993–1999
H.E. Rafael Seguis 1999–2002
H.E. Bahnarim Guinomla 2002–2006
H.E. Antonio Villamor 2006–2010
H.E. Ezzedin Tago 2010–2016
Hon. Iric Arribas 2016–2017 Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
H.E. Adnan Alonto 2017–2022

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Philippine Embassy Historical Background". Philippine Embassy Riyadh. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "PH Embassy Inaugurates Multipurpose Building in Riyadh". Department of Foreign Affairs. June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  3. ^ Crisostomo, Sheila (June 10, 2024). "Balatbat appointed Philippine envoy to Saudi Arabia". Philippine Star Printing Co., Inc. Philippine Star. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  4. ^ "President of Philippines Arrives in Riyadh to Participate in GCC-ASEAN Summit". Saudi Press Agency. October 19, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  5. ^ "Philippine Embassy holds special passport processing for HSWs". Saudi Gazette. April 25, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  6. ^ Aben, Ellie (February 14, 2024). "Philippines sends first business mission to Saudi Arabia since pandemic". Saudi Research and Publishing Company. Arab News. Retrieved June 19, 2024.

External links[edit]

Philippines Saudi Arabia Category:Philippines-Saudi Arabia relations

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