PH Embassy in Bucharest Fetes 127th Anniversary of PH Independence 

Ambassador Servigon delivers his remarks 

BUCHAREST 26 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Bucharest headed by Ambassador Noel Servigon hosted a diplomatic reception celebrating the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence on 17 June 2025 at the Platinum Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel Bucharest. 

The diplomatic reception is the maiden Independence Day commemoration event after the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest reopened in August 2024. The Embassy was reopened twelve years after being closed in 2012. 

Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Ana Cristina Tinca was the guest of honor and speaker during the event. In her remarks, the State Secretary noted the “strong diplomatic bond over half a century” between Romania and the Philippines which is guided by the principles of shared values, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and international cooperation. 

State Secretary Tinca also underscored that “in a world full of challenges, the cooperation between like-minded countries is more valuable than ever.”

Meanwhile, in his speech, Ambassador Servigon emphasized that although the Embassy was physically closed in 2012, Philippines-Romania bilateral interactions continued to flourish, such that after ten years the Philippines decided to reopen the Embassy. 

Furthermore, Ambassador Servigon drew the many commonalities between the Philippines and Romania, while announcing that the Embassy is ready to pursue new domains of cooperation, especially in increasing greater commercial interactions through the two countries’ economic complementarities.

He also thanked the Romanian government for its policy of welcoming Filipino migrant workers, even as he recognized their valuable contribution to the host country. 

The Philippines’ top envoy to Romania also announced that the Philippine Embassy moved to its new permanent chancery located in the emerging business center in Bucharest.  

In concluding his remarks, Ambassador Servigon said that “the Philippines is back in Romania,” and expressed hopes that “after identifying many areas of mutual interest, our relations will solidify for the benefit of our peoples.” 

Captivating performances by Ms. Bella Santiago and an all-male quartet from Brasov made the celebration more memorable.  Ms. Santiago is a Filipino singer who has made waves in Romania after winning season eight of X Factor Romania in 2018. END

Left to right: PH Honorary Consul in Brasov Simon Andreas Maurer, Mme. Marichu Servigon, MFA State Secretary Ana Cristina Tinca, Ambassador Servigon 

For more information, visit  tinyurl.com/3b528zx9, or https://www.facebook.com/phinromania.