Dutch Ambassador to PH Bids Farewell to Undersecretary Manalo

MANILA 14 December 2018 – Outgoing Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Maria Christina Theresia Derckx made a farewell call on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo on 11 December 2018 at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City.

Undersecretary Manalo expressed his appreciation for the close bilateral cooperation and the robust economic relationship between the two countries during Ambassador Derckx’s assignment in the Philippines.

The Philippines and the Netherlands signed several agreements during Ambassador Derckx’s term, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Manila Bay Sustainable Masterplan, the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance on Customs Matters, and the MOU to Enhance Cooperation Against Trafficking in Persons Between the Department of Justice and the Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands.

On the economic front, the Netherlands has consistently been one of the largest sources of foreign investments in the Philippines.  In 2017, Dutch direct investments to the Philippines totaled Php9.64 billion (US$191.20 million).

Ambassador Derckx expressed her deep appreciation for the warmth of the Filipino people, saying that she felt the people had taken her into their hearts.

The Dutch Ambassador will complete her tour of duty in the Philippines on 12 December 2018, after almost four years as top Dutch envoy in the country. END