By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – The Philippine Embassy in Amman celebrated the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence with a diplomatic reception on Sunday evening, underscoring nearly five decades of strong ties with Jordan.
Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos paid tribute to the historic events of June 12, 1898, when the Philippines declared its independence, calling it “a bold step toward freedom and the birth of the Filipino nation.”
“Today, we honor that legacy and the continued journey of the Filipino people in building a just and progressive society,” Santos said.
The envoy also highlighted during the reception attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nancy Namrouqa, diplomats, Jordanian officials, and members of the Filipino community the “enduring friendship” between the Philippines and Jordan, marking 49 years of diplomatic relations this year. He emphasized the growth in cooperation across multiple areas, including trade, defense, labor, and cultural exchange.
“We are sincerely grateful to His Majesty King Abdullah II and to the Government of Jordan for the continued kindness and protection extended to our Filipino nationals,” he said, citing the contributions of Filipinos to Jordanian society.
Looking ahead, Santos affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Jordan, stating that “the steady growth of our bilateral ties is a reflection of the enduring strength of diplomacy and the mutual aspirations that bind us.”
In a strong expression of Manila’s foreign policy stance, Santos addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “The Philippines calls for the full, safe, rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population,” he said, reaffirming support for a two-state solution “as the only viable path toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region.”
Santos also offered an optimistic view of the Philippines’ economic future, noting that the country is on track to achieve upper middle-income status by 2026. “With a young and talented workforce, a strategic location in the heart of Asia, and an increasingly innovation-driven economy, the Philippines is not simply growing—we are making things happen,” he said.
The ambassador invited Jordanian nationals to explore the Philippines through its “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign, highlighting destinations such as Palawan, Intramuros, and the Visayas. He also emphasized efforts to make the country more welcoming to Muslim travelers, with more halal-certified services and Muslim-friendly infrastructure.
In closing, Santos announced that 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Jordan diplomatic relations. “We eagerly anticipate celebrating this significant milestone with all of you,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Philippine Embassy staff for organizing the evening’s festivities.
The event concluded with a cultural presentation and a video featuring the Philippine tourism anthem Tara Na Biyahe Tayo (“Let’s Travel”).
