WELCOME REMARKS 

by the 

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo 

to be delivered at 

Understanding the Hijab: A Public Forum 

09 March 2023 @ Carlos P. Romulo Library 

Good morning. 

As we celebrate National Women’s Month this March, the international Islamic community will start observing the Holy Month of Ramadan, too, in a few weeks, from around 22 March. It is in this light that this public forum, Understanding the Hijab, attempts to bridge these two important events. 

The Philippines has always been at the forefront of upholding women’s rights. With a proud legacy of having had two (2) female heads of state, we are a country that indeed walks the talk on female empowerment. In the Department of Foreign Affairs, we are doing our best to live up to this high standard, not just in terms of a gender- responsive foreign policy, but also through the many Filipino lady ambassadors that have served our country well. 

Meanwhile, the international Islamic community continues to be an important stakeholder in our foreign policy on several aspects. Many Muslim countries, particularly in theMiddle East, host our OFWs, while also serving as critical partners in our ongoing quest for peace and development in Mindanao. 

Activities, such as this public forum, put the spotlight on another side of the women’s rights discourse, as we focus on the perspective of our Muslim sisters by learning more about the hijab, which is a symbol of their Islamic heritage.

One of the goals of cultural diplomacy is to foster understanding and inclusivity: every point of view is heard, everyone has a seat at the table, and no one is left behind. That, in essence, is the mission of DFA - to promote and protect every Filipino’s interest, regardless of religion or gender. 

At this point, I wish to welcome our guests of honor today as they share their valuable time and insights to inform of their initiatives and advocacies for greater inclusivity of our Muslim brothers and sisters. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs stands ready to support legislative and executive initiatives that promote these advocacies. 

On behalf of the men and women- my colleagues- at the Department of Foreign Affairs, thank you for spending your time with us today. I wish you all a fruitful event this morning. 

Thank you.