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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider France and the Philippines celebrate Bastille Day with 'Blue Nations' commitment

France and the Philippines celebrate Bastille Day with 'Blue Nations' commitment

Diplomatic, cultural, and environmental ties take center stage at the 2025 French National Day celebration in Manila

Published Jul 21, 2025 02:52 pm
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Hellen dela Vega, Ambassador Marie Fontanel of the Embassy of France, and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown (Photos from the Embassy of France in Manila)
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Hellen dela Vega, Ambassador Marie Fontanel of the Embassy of France, and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown (Photos from the Embassy of France in Manila)
The French National Day, commonly known as Bastille Day, was celebrated on July 14 at the Fairmont Makati with a festive evening that highlighted the growing diplomatic, environmental, and cultural ties between France and the Philippines.
During her remarks, French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel emphasized the strengthening partnership between the two nations. “Allow me to reiterate France’s deep commitment to the Philippines. Our two countries have so much in common, and much more to do together,” she said. “So long live our friendship and our cooperation.”
Among the highlights of the evening was a reflection on the continued deepening of bilateral relations, marked by several significant milestones. These included the port visit of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to Subic Bay, the now-regular Paris-to-Manila direct flights operated by Air France, and the recent visit of France’s Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin. The event also celebrated the Philippines’ gold medal achievements at the Paris Summer Olympics.
Ambassador Fontanel, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., his wife Monica Prieto-Teodoro, and the ambassador's husband, Economic Counselor Alain Fontanel
Ambassador Fontanel, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., his wife Monica Prieto-Teodoro, and the ambassador's husband, Economic Counselor Alain Fontanel
Central to this year’s celebration was the Blue Nations initiative, a key area of cooperation between France and the Philippines. The initiative focuses on joint efforts in marine biodiversity protection, sustainable use of marine resources under the blue economy, and enhanced maritime security. It also aligns with France’s role as co-chair of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held last month in Nice.
Ambassador Fontanel, speaking during the reception at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, underlined the maritime bond between the two nations: “And there is no better place than the Philippines, this beautiful archipelago of 7,641 islands to celebrate our oceans. In this regard, also, France and the Philippines have a lot in common. We are two maritime nations, being part of the Pacific region, experiencing daily the challenges caused to our oceans: plastic pollution, illegal fishing, issues of freedom of navigation. No wonder why our two countries are engaged in upholding international law of the sea and advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific and a better protection of our oceans.”
The Far Eastern University Chorale featured both the Philippine national anthem, 'Lupang Hinirang,' and the French national anthem, 'La Marseillaise.'
The Far Eastern University Chorale featured both the Philippine national anthem, 'Lupang Hinirang,' and the French national anthem, 'La Marseillaise.'
The “Blue Nations” concept acknowledges the shared identity of both countries as maritime nations with vast coastlines and exclusive economic zones. Ongoing collaboration includes protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and building the resilience of communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats.
The cultural highlights of the celebration added warmth to the formalities. A stirring performance by the Far Eastern University Chorale featured both the Philippine national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” and the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise.” The culinary spread featured French cheeses flown in especially for the occasion, drawing delighted praise from guests.
The celebration served as a testament to the growing and multifaceted relationship between France and the Philippines — one grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to common goals.
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