Photo Exhibit Launched to Commemorate Philippines-Mexico 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations 

(From left to right) Ambassador of Mexico to the Philippines Daniel Hernández Joseph, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, and DFA-Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga pose after the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the exhibit.

MANILA 15 November 2023 – On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United Mexican States, the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of American Affairs (DFA-OAA), in partnership with the Embassy of Mexico in Manila, launched a week-long photo exhibit “Recuerdos: A Retrospective of Philippines-Mexico Relations” on 06 November 2023 at the Department of Foreign Affairs. This photo exhibit showed highlights of the shared history of the Philippines and Mexico for the past 70 years and more. 

Installed at the DFA Main Lobby, the exhibition displayed a combination of documents and photographs chronicling the story between the two countries, through seven sections: (1) early diplomatic relations, (2) the deployment of Escuadrón 201 of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force in the Philippines’ fight for liberation during World War II, (3) presidential visits and high-level exchanges, (4) bilateral agreements and meetings, (5) significant meetings of Philippine and Mexican ambassadors, (6) cultural and historical markers, and (7) other engagements.

Using photographs sourced from archives of the Mexican government, the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines, the Embassy of the Philippines in Mexico, the Official Gazette of the Philippines, and various news sources, the exhibit showed the earliest documentation of the designation of Mr. Evaristo Battle Hernández as Consul of Mexico to the Philippines in 1878, until the recent presentation of credentials of  Mexican Ambassador Daniel Hernández to President Ferdinand Marcos in July 2023. 

The opening was attended by ambassadors and officials from the embassies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Spain, officials from Philippine government agencies - National Archives of the Philippines, Philippine Space Agency, Philippine Air Force, and the Makati City government; officials and representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, members of the media, and key cultural partners.

“This event is a testament to the long-standing relationship and friendship between the Philippines and Mexico. As we commemorate a milestone year of our diplomatic relations, this photo exhibit demonstrates our continuing commitment to recognize our shared journey while looking ahead to work together on multiple areas of cooperation,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said in her remarks for the opening ceremony. 

During the week of the exhibit, the Office of American Affairs, also invited students and teachers from Pasay City West High School to view the photo exhibit and learn about the history of Philippines-Mexico relations. As part of the school’s visit, Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Director for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Stephanie Alexis Cruz provided an overview on the functions of the Department of Foreign Affairs, particularly on strengthening the political, economic, and cultural relationship of the Philippines with other countries, and gave a snapshot of Philippines-Mexico relations.

“The exhibit aims to provide the students a better understanding of our rich history, as well as an appreciation of the significance of building relationships with other countries. We hope that this event will open more avenues for us to engage local communities and demonstrate the broader impact of the work of the Department,” Assistant Secretary Gonzaga said in his message to the students and teachers of Pasay City West High School. 

The exhibit is the second joint event held to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Mexico relations. The governments of the Philippines and Mexico conducted an illumination of historical buildings and monuments in both countries on 14 April 2023, the date of the said anniversary.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro delivers the opening remarks at the opening of the photo exhibit ‘Recuerdos: A Retrospective on Philippines-Mexico Relations’.

Ambassador of Mexico to the Philippines Daniel Hernández Joseph delivers remarks on behalf of the Embassy of Mexico in recognition of this special occasion to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Mexico.

DFA-Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Former Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Ambassador of Mexico to the Philippines Daniel Hernández Joseph, and Philippine Air Force Acting Commander Brigadier General Pablo Rustria, Jr. attending the Opening Ceremony of Recuerdos: A Retrospective of Philippines-Mexico Relations.

Photos of the commemorative logo of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Mexico diplomatic relations and the illumination of the Rizal Monument with the colors of the Mexican flag on 14 April 2023.

(Left photo) DFA-Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga discusses the functions of the Department of Foreign Affairs to the students of Pasay City West High School.

(Right photo) Pasay City West high school students viewing the section ‘Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Mexico’.