Colombia, PH mark 80 years of ties, eye broader collaboration
By Marinel Peroy
Colombian Ambassador H.E. Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito celebrated the 216th Independence Day of the Republic of Colombia and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines by highlighting a partnership built on shared values — and one now poised for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.
“It is a great honor and pleasure to celebrate with you today the 216th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Colombia. I sincerely thank you for joining us on this special occasion. This year is particularly meaningful as Colombia and the Philippines commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations,” he said.
In his address, Ambassador Garavito reflected on eight decades of friendship anchored in mutual respect, democratic values, peace, and international cooperation. He said bilateral relations have gained fresh momentum, with both countries well-positioned to expand collaboration in trade, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, innovation, environmental protection, and people-to-people exchanges.
He also reaffirmed both nations’ shared commitment to a rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of global challenges.
“Although separated by geography, Colombians and Filipinos share many similarities. We are diverse, resilient, and dynamic societies, enriched by our cultural heritage and united by strong family values, democratic institutions, and enduring optimism about the future,” he said.
Looking back on the relationship, Ambassador Garavito noted that throughout the past 80 years, Colombia and the Philippines have stood together “not only as friends and partners, but also as advocates of dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution, and international cooperation.”
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim likewise described the anniversary as both a celebration of enduring friendship and a launchpad for a new phase of bilateral engagement.
Despite the nearly 18,000 kilometers separating Manila and Bogotá, he said “Philippines-Colombian relations have stood the test of time, 80 years to be exact, on July 5, 2026,” citing the two countries’ shared Hispanic heritage, democratic values, and expanding cooperation in tourism, peace-building, and disaster risk reduction.
Herrera-Lim noted that economic and technical cooperation is increasingly matching the longstanding political goodwill between the two nations, pointing to Philippine companies’ growing presence in Colombian ports and oil fields.
“One might say that our economic ties have gone from surface level to fairly deep,” he said, as he looked ahead to the next round of bilateral consultations in Bogotá and closer collaboration under the women, peace, and security agenda. In his words, this is rooted “in the enduring spirit of partnership, one that has outlasted many empires, more currencies, and more coffee trends than either of our countries can count.”
He also congratulated Colombia on the successful conclusion of its recent national elections and said the Philippines looks forward to working closely with the incoming administration to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, disaster risk reduction, and energy.
The celebration underscored that after eight decades of diplomatic relations, both countries are looking beyond shared history toward practical collaboration that delivers tangible benefits. From stronger business linkages and technical cooperation to broader cultural and educational exchanges, both governments signaled their commitment to translating shared values into concrete partnerships.
“As we celebrate the achievements of the past, we look to the future with confidence and optimism,” Garavito said.
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