President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. hosted the traditional Vin D'honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace on Jan. 11, attended by key government officials, ambassadors of the different embassies in the country, and heads of international organizations. 

Vin d'honneur is a tradition derived from the French term meaning 'wine of honor,' that has evolved into a prestigious occasion in the Philippines observed biannually, commemorating both the New Year and the anniversary of Philippine Independence.

In his message, President Marcos Jr. announced plans to open additional embassies in North America, Asia, and the Pacific, aiming for 102 global posts by 2025. “Through our independent foreign policy, we have broadened and strengthened our diplomatic reach and engagements with the world. Last year, we opened four embassies in Europe and Latin America. This year, we will be opening four more foreign service posts in North America, Asia, and the Pacific. And by the end of 2025, we will have 102 Posts, effectively widening our reach globally. We are poised to establish more down the road.” 

He also highlighted the Philippines’ economic growth in 2024 stating that “The Philippine economy remained amongst the strongest in Asia, expanding 5.8 percent for the first three quarters of last year and outstripping performances of some peers in the Asian region. Our revenue collection for 2024 is about PHP 4.42 trillion, accounting for 16.7 percent of our GDP, and this is the highest in the last 27 years.”

The President sought support for the country’s 2027-2028 bid for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for the term of 2027-2028 saying “I take this opportunity anew to convey to your respective governments our earnest request for your support to our UNSC bid, and we hope for your support when the time comes when we are indeed sitting as a member of the Security Council.”

In closing, he thanked the members of the diplomatic corps for being able partners and for supporting the government in its various social and economic programs for the Filipino people.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown III, praised the administration’s economic achievements and highlighted the Bangsamoro Peace Process as a path to peace and prosperity.

The highlight of the evening is the ceremonial toast by President Marcos Jr. and Most Reverend Archbishop Charles John Brown, which symbolizes unity, respect, and collaboration among nations, underscoring the vital role of diplomacy and international relations in fostering peace and prosperity.