Filipino Pilgrims Arrive in Madinah for Hajj 2025
Flowers and Ajwa dates were handed out to arriving pilgrims. (Jeddah PCG photo)
MADINAH 21 May 2025 — The first group of 376 Filipino pilgrims arrived in Madinah yesterday aboard Saudia flight 861, officially commencing their sacred journey for Hajj 2025.
Their arrival was met with a warm welcome at the airport, led by Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raymond Balatbat, Consul General Rommel Romato from the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Hajj Attaché OIC Omar Mandia, Assistant Director Lemuel Lopez of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Migrant Affairs, as well as representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, MCDC Hajj service provider, and the NCMF Hajj supervisory team.
Upon arrival, the pilgrims were greeted with fragrant roses and Ajwa dates, traditional symbols of Saudi hospitality and blessings. The DFA Hajj teams also distributed refreshments, ensuring the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims after their journey.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is set to take place from June 4 to 9 2025 (8–13 Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar), drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The arrival of the Filipino delegation highlights the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shared commitment to providing Filipino Muslims with a safe, meaningful, and spiritually enriching Hajj experience. END
Ambassador Raymond Balatbat with Consul General Rommel Romato, Assistant Director Lemuel Lopez, OIC Omar Mandia, and representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the MCDC Hajj Service Provider while waiting at the receiving line before the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims (Jeddah PCG photo)
Consul General Rommel Romato shares a heartfelt embrace with a Filipino pilgrim during the welcome ceremonies. (Jeddah PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.jeddahpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinJeddah/.