21 September 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen B. Isleta and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Linglingay Lacanlale led the Inauguration and Blessing of the Embassy’s permanent chancery located in Menteng district on September 12.

The event was attended by Secretary General Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU) and his family, former Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Rosario Aguinaldo, Honorary Consul Eddy Surohadi, DFA Assistant Secretary for Fiscal Management Services Crescente Relacion, Chief Coordinator in the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa de Vega, members of the Filipino community, as well as representatives of the Indonesia-Philippines Business Council (IPBC). 
A Catholic mass officiated by Father Manuel Valencia commenced the occasion. After the mass, Father Valencia with Embassy officers and guests proceeded to the Embassy building for the blessing. It was the first time for some of the guests to tour the Embassy.

During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Isleta welcomed more than 200 guests at the inauguration and thanked her predecessors, particularly Ambassador Maria Rosario Aguinaldo, for their resolute efforts in completing this important project. The new chancery’s structure, particularly its exterior, takes after the Vigan houses of old – the “bahay na bato” which also, to a certain extent draws from the Philippine bahay kubo.

DFA Undersecretary Lacanlale, in her message, noted that the new Chancery, more than just a place of work for Embassy personnel, symbolizes Philippine’s commitment to maintain its deep and lasting relationship with Indonesia. She stressed that the Embassy is the “home away from home” for our fellow Filipinos living in Indonesia. She noted that the Chancery’s architectural design could be used as a model for other Foreign Service Posts.

In his remarks, Secretary General Legowo, highlighted the multi-faceted bonds between the Philippines and Indonesia.

Following the messages, the Embassy seal was unveiled by Ambassador Isleta, Secretary General Legowo, Undersecretary Lacanlale and Ambassador Aguinaldo. The officials then cut the ribbon which symbolizes the official opening of the Philippine Embassy to the public.

After the official ceremony, everyone shared in a traditional Indonesian meal and Filipino favorites including lechon, dinuguan, puto, pancit and kakanin while enjoying the performances of the members of the Filipino community. The theme of the event was Filipino fiesta with banderitas surrounding the place and various booths showcasing Philippine food products and special delicacies.

A photo exhibit “Mabuhay! Merdeka!: Snapshots of Philippines-Indonesia Friendship” was featured during the inauguration which gave the guests a historic view of the cordial bilateral ties between the Philippines and Indonesia since 1949 and the progress in the construction of the Philippine Embassy structure. Overseas voters registration was also held at the Consular area. END