The Embassy of Hungary in Manila and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Philippines proudly co-hosted the Hungary-Philippines Friendship Week 2025, a week-long celebration highlighting the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations. This year’s event commemorates the 177th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence (1848–49) with rich Hungarian literature and cinematography, last year’s opening of the Migrant Workers Office in Budapest. With over 50 years of diplomatic relations, this Friendship Week underscores shared achievements and continued cooperation of both countries.
The festivities commenced on March 10, with DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth inaugurating Hungary Day at the DMW Head Office in Mandaluyong City. The day’s program included the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Bazaar Stalls, featuring businesses from both Philippines-Hungary enterprises and entities, including the ACAY Missions Philippines, Teqball Philippines, and OFW-led ventures. A hybrid session also allowed more than 12,000 Filipino guest workers in Hungary to join the event virtually, complemented by informative presentations from the private sector on bilateral cooperation. Guests enjoyed cultural performances, a film screening, and an exclusive cocktail reception showcasing a digital exhibition of Hungarian national hero and poet Sándor Petőfi.
A special highlight of the first evening was Ambassador Tóth’s presentation of a Letter of Appreciation from the Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to Honorary Consul General of Hungary Alfonso Yuchengco III, recognizing his 25 years of dedicated service in strengthening Hungary-Philippines relations.
The event also featured a job fair, where OFWs met with the 16 company representatives of the Hungarian labor delegation.
On March 11, discussions were focused on visa processes, ethical recruitment, reintegration programs, and labor agreements at the DMW headquarters. These conversations paved the way for further enhancements in migrant worker policies and cooperation. A key moment was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Association for Central European Employment of Overseas Filipino Workers (ACE) and the Philippine Association of Service Exporters (PASEI), a milestone in strengthening ethical labor recruitment efforts.
The celebration concluded with a special screening of the acclaimed Hungarian film, “Semmelweis” (2023), directed by Lajos Koltai. The film offered attendees an enriching cultural experience and reinforced Hungary’s contributions to achievements in the field of medicine, arts and humanities. The life of Ignác Semmelweis, who lived in the 19th century, in the Era of Reform contributed to the fundamental changes of his period by pioneering the antiseptic procedures, thus until today he is still described as the "saviour of mothers”.
The Philippines-Hungary Friendship Week served as a powerful reminder of the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Through cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and strengthened labor partnerships, the event continued to celebrate the growing friendship between the Embassy of Hungary in Manila and the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines.
