A distinguished delegation of 22 resident foreign ambassadors, joined by their spouses and colleagues, arrived in the Philippines’ island province of Catanduanes, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the provincial government of Catanduanes, for a three-day familiarization visit from Feb. 6 to 8, 2026. Their arrival at Virac Airport marked a milestone in Philippine diplomacy, as the province hosted its first large-scale diplomatic engagement.

The ambassadors represented the embassies of Bangladesh, China, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, Vietnam, and the European Union Delegation to the Philippines. They were welcomed by Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Congressman Jose J. Teves Jr., and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials, led by Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Angelica C. Escalona.

Throughout the visit, the ambassadors were accompanied by DFA officials, including Assistant Secretary Angelica C. Escalona, together with Assistant Secretary Ariel R. Peñaranda of the Office of Protocol, Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis M. Alferez of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Assistant Secretary Anne J. Louis of the Office of Consular Affairs. Supporting them from the Office of Public Diplomacy were Acting Directors Jacqueline Joan S. Arquiza and Joan Macrise C. Corado, Principal Assistant Nicole Anne G. Mempin, Administrative Officer Edwin Juan A. Batallones, and Assistant Alexis Jerahmeel E. Tecson.

At the Provincial Capitol, the ambassadors participated in a welcome luncheon, trade fair and art exhibit, and investment and trade forum, where opportunities in energy, agriculture, aquaculture, and water resources were presented. They shared insights on potential partnerships, particularly in industry development and climate resiliency, underscoring their interest in strengthening ties with the province.

Beyond official forums, the ambassadors immersed themselves in Catanduanes’ cultural and natural heritage. They visited Tampad Beach, a protected sea turtle nesting site, explored historic landmarks such as St. John the Baptist Church (built in 1883), and joined a symbolic tree-planting activity of buton-buton saplings to highlight shared commitments to biodiversity and coastal preservation. Culinary experiences featured Catanduanes’ signature coconut glaze-coated sticky rice latik, prepared at Impling’s Special Delicacies Production House, along with other local favorites such as turrones, binanban, and kaluko.

As the Philippines’ top abaca-producing province and the world’s leading abaca supplier, a highlight of the visit was the tour of the Pag-Unlad ng Baras Abaca Pinukpok Production House, where diplomats witnessed abaca fibers being transformed into textiles and fashion items. They also visited Catanduanes State University’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center to learn about industry innovations.

The ambassadors expressed admiration for the creativity and resilience of the people of Catanduanes, noting the province’s role as the world’s leading abaca supplier. Their presence and active participation reinforced the importance of people-to-people exchanges and international cooperation, making this visit a landmark in the Philippines’ diplomatic outreach. (Photos courtesy of PIA Catanduanes)