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, and underscores 52 years of diplomatic relations marked with shared achievements and continued cooperation between the two 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 includes the official opening of 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. The hybrid session also allowed the 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 potential OFWs can meet with the 16 company representatives of the labor delegation from various sectors of the Hungarian economy. 

On March 11, discussions will focus on visa processes, ethical recruitment, reintegration programs, and labor agreements at the DMW headquarters. These conversations will pave the way for further enhancements in migrant worker policies and cooperation. A key moment will be 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 will conclude with a special screening of the acclaimed Hungarian film, “Semmelweis” (2023), directed by Lajos Koltai, offering attendees an enriching cultural experience and reinforcing Hungary’s contributions to achievements in the field of medicine, arts and humanities. The film showcases the life of Ignác Semmelweis, who lived in the 19th century in the Era of Reform and how he truly contributed to the fundamental changes of his period by pioneering the antiseptic procedures, thus he is still described today as the "saviour of mothers”.

The Philippines-Hungary Friendship Week serves as a powerful reminder of the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Through cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and strengthened labor partnerships, this event continues to celebrate the growing friendship between the Embassy of Hungary in Manila and the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines.