Philippine Ambassador Presents Credentials to the Irish President

Philippine Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Irish President Michael D. Higgins

DUBLIN 05 January 2023 – Philippine Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. presented his credentials President Michael D. Higgins as non-resident Ambassador to Ireland at the latter’s official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin, in Dublin, Ireland on 19 December 2023.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Locsin greeted the President in Irish and brought greetings from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Filipino people for the personal wellbeing of President Higgins and that of the people of Ireland. He expressed hope that during his tenure, the relationship between the Philippines and Ireland grows in strength and affection.

President Higgins looked forward to celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Ireland in 2024. He recognized the incredible contributions of the Filipino community in Ireland, particularly those in the healthcare sector, and their dedication and assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also noted the sizable Filipino diaspora in Ireland and the growing number of Filipino students in the country.

President Higgins made special mention of Leo Villamayor, a heroic Filipino nurse who helped save a young girl stabbed by an armed man in Dublin last month.

President Higgins was joined at the ceremony by Mr. Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Ms. Fiona Penollar, Director General, Citizen Services Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs; and Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President. Ambassador Locsin was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, daughter, Ms. Maria Patricia Louise Barcelon, and Second Secretary and Consul Ms. Beatriz Alexandra G. Martinez. END

Ambassador Locsin inspects the Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin

(Left to Right) Mr. Dara Calleary TD, Ms. Maria Patricia Louise Barcelon, Ambassador Locsin, President Higgins, Madame Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, Ms. Beatriz Alexandra Martinez.

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