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Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

Coordinates: 41°53′53.7″N 12°26′16.4″E / 41.898250°N 12.437889°E / 41.898250; 12.437889
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Embassy of the Philippines, Rome
Pasuguan ng Pilipinas sa Roma
Ambasciata delle Filippine a Roma
Map
LocationRome
AddressVia Aurelia, 290/A
Coordinates41°53′53.7″N 12°26′16.4″E / 41.898250°N 12.437889°E / 41.898250; 12.437889
AmbassadorNathaniel G. Imperial
Websiteromepe.dfa.gov.ph

The Embassy of the Philippines in Rome is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Italian Republic. First opened in 1947, it is currently located along the Via Aurelia in the quarter (quartiere) of Aurelio, part of Municipio XIII in western Rome, just west of Vatican City.

History

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Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy were established on July 9, 1947, around a year after the Philippines obtained full independence from the United States. A legation was established a year later on July 5, 1948,[1] and in 1951, President Elpidio Quirino signed Executive Order No. 397, reorganizing the Philippines' diplomatic presence in Europe and placing the legation under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Madrid.[2]

The legation was upgraded to a full embassy on August 9, 1956,[1] during the presidency of Ramon Magsaysay, alongside the elevation of Italy's legation in Manila to an embassy by mutual agreement between the two countries. Manuel Alzate, who at the time was the Philippine minister to Italy, subsequently became the mission's first ambassador.[3]

On February 26, 2014, the embassy's website was defaced by hackers protesting the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.[4]

Buildings

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The former chancery at Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 112-114, which now serves as the ambassadorial residence

The chancery of the Philippine Embassy in Rome is currently located along the Via Aurelia on a property acquired by the Philippine government on April 10, 2018.[5] Planning for the building's renovation began in September 2019 with the embassy initially budgeting some €963,000 (₱55.1 million) for the total cost of the project.[6] Renovation contracts were awarded on November 25, 2019 to four companies: EffePi Costruzioni, KLF Italia, Edil Domus and Inotech Licht,[7] and after over a year of renovation work the chancery was inaugurated on June 27, 2021 by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. along with other dignitaries and embassy officials, and blessed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.[8] The new chancery was opened on July 7, 2021, with consular services transferring a week later on July 16, 2021,[9] and other services moving a month after on August 16, 2021.[10]

Located across from the Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy and neighboring the General House of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the current chancery replaces the previous chancery located along Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro in the neighboring quarter of Balduina, part of Municipio XIV. Originally built in the 1920s in honor of the future King Umberto II, the Philippine government acquired the four-story property in 1997 using a loan facility underwritten by the Philippine National Bank.[11] The 600-square-meter (6,500 sq ft) property underwent renovations to expand its consular area in 1999 and 2012,[11] with the latter renovation being designed by the Rome-based Cafelab Architectural Studio.[12] However, as the property needed significant repairs, it was decided in 2018 to convert it into the ambassadorial residence, with the government budgeting ₱96 million for the conversion.[11] Previous ambassadorial residences were rented, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at one point spending up to $12,000 monthly in rent.[13]

In contrast to the previous chancery, where no additional space could be added as the property's lot area had already been maximized,[11] the current chancery contains a spacious consular area and is designed for both accessibility and energy efficiency, with the space said to be more conducive to the embassy's ability to provide consular services and conduct diplomacy and cultural promotion work.[8] A bust of José Rizal is displayed in one of the building's hallways,[14] and the chancery also has its own dedicated ceremonial hall for hosting events.[15]

Staff and activities

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The Philippine Embassy in Rome is currently headed by Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial, who was named to the position by President Bongbong Marcos on September 1, 2022.[16] Prior to becoming Ambassador, Imperial, a career diplomat, served as Assistant Secretary of Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs,[17] and before that headed the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv as ambassador to Israel.[18] His appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on September 28, 2022,[19] and he presented his credentials to Italian President Sergio Mattarella on June 15, 2023.[20]

A notable diplomat who served at the embassy was Philippe J. Lhuillier, who was ambassador to Italy from 1999 to 2010.[21] Known for his work in supporting the Filipino community in Italy during his long tenure,[22] his recall was not without controversy as The Philippine Star criticized his hasty replacement at the end of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's presidency with Representative Antonio Cuenco of Cebu City's 2nd congressional district, who ultimately was not appointed to the position.[23]

With Italy being home to one of the largest Filipino communities in Europe, many of the embassy's activities center around providing to the needs and welfare of the more than 170,000 Filipino Italians, including many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Offices of the Social Security System and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are housed within the chancery,[10][24] and the embassy has conducted activities such as evacuating Filipinos cruise ship workers stranded in Italy due to the COVID-19 pandemic,[25] providing free legal services to the Filipino community,[26] and working with the Italian government to address high rates of Filipino youth unemployment.[27] The embassy has also worked to further the deep cultural and economic ties between the two countries, including organizing a trade exhibition featuring Philippine textiles,[28] donating Filipino books to libraries in its jurisdiction,[29] and showcasing Filipino films.[30] Cultural outreach was enhanced with the opening of a Sentro Rizal center on November 29, 2016.[31] The embassy also works closely with the separate Philippine Embassy to the Holy See.

In addition to Italy, the embassy exercises jurisdiction over Malta, which was transferred to its jurisdiction on January 21, 2014,[32] Albania and San Marino, where it maintains honorary consulates. It likewise maintains a network of honorary consulates throughout Italy, located in Cagliari, Florence, Naples, Palermo and Reggio Calabria,[33] and also exercises jurisdiction over the consulate general in Milan. The embassy is also accredited to a number of international organizations headquartered in Rome, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme.[8]

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Popular reception to the embassy and its personnel is mixed. On the one hand, it has also been criticized for its delivery of services: in 2012, OFWs protested the embassy's application of increased passport renewal fees which were said to be in violation of directives coming from the DFA,[34] while in 2016, OFW groups petitioned the DFA for Nolasco's recall because of actions they felt were "inimical" to the interest of Filipinos in Italy.[35]

On the other hand, the embassy has also been lauded for its work: in 2018, columnist Danilo T. Ibayan, writing in The Manila Times, lauded it for its successful track record in protecting the interests of OFWs in Italy.[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Philippines - Italian Relations". Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. Archived from the original on November 15, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  2. ^ "Executive Order No. 397, s. 1951". Official Gazette. January 5, 1951. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  3. ^ "Official Month in Review: August 1 – August 15, 1956". Official Gazette. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021. BENEDETTO D'Acunzo this afternoon presented to President Magsaysay his credentials as Italian ambassador to the Philippines in ceremonies held at Malacañang. D'Acunzo's presentation of his credentials followed the mutual elevation of the Italian Legation in Manila and the Philippine Legation in Rome to the category of embassy. [...] In this connection, Malacañang announced that Manuel Alzate, minister to Rome, who has the personal rank of ambassador, will be the charge d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, pending the elevation of his official rank to that of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary.
  4. ^ "More gov't websites defaced after 'Black Tuesday'". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. February 26, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  5. ^ "SFA Locsin Inaugurates Philippine Embassy in Rome's New Chancery" (Press release). Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. July 1, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  6. ^ REQUEST FOR PRICE QUOTATIONS FOR THE PROCUREMENT PROJECT ENTITLED "EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE INTERVENTIONS AND CONSERVATIVE RESTORATION (RENOVATION/IMPROVEMENT) OF THE PROPERTY AT VIA AURELIA, 290/A-294/B AND PURCHASE OF FURNITURE AND FIXTURES (PDF) (Report). Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. September 19, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  7. ^ [NOTICE OF AWARDS] "EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE INTERVENTIONS AND CONSERVATIVE RESTORATION (RENOVATION/IMPROVEMENT) OF THE PROPERTY AT VIA AURELIA, 290/A-294/B AND PURCHASE OF FURNITURE AND FIXTURES" (Report). Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. November 25, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c Mabasa, Roy (July 4, 2021). "Locsin, Cardinal Tagle lead opening of new Philippine chancery in Rome". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  9. ^ "PUBLIC ADVISORY" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. July 6, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  10. ^ a b "ANUNSYO SA PUBLIKO" (Press release) (in Filipino). Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. August 3, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  11. ^ a b c d "Chapter 19: Accelerating Infrastructure Development" (PDF). List of Priority Programs and Projects in the 2017-2022 Public Investment Programs (PIP) (Report). National Economic and Development Authority. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  12. ^ "Embassy of the Philippines". Cafelab Architectural Studio. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  13. ^ Lee-Brago, Pia (January 3, 2006). "Yearender: DFA; RP in center of world stage in 2005". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 26, 2021. Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe Lhuiller is also renting a luxurious house in the upscale district of Rome that costs between $10,000 and $12,000 a month.
  14. ^ "Philippine Embassy in Rome, together with Knights of Rizal-Rome Chapter, Commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. Jose Rizal" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. June 19, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  15. ^ "PH EMBASSY IN ROME CONDUCTS OATH-TAKING OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP APPLICANTS IN ITS NEW CHANCERY" (Press release). Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. June 16, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  16. ^ ACTION: CONFIRMED – Ad Interim / Nomination – From: June 30, 2022 To: December 19, 2022 (PDF) (Report). Commission on Appointments. p. 10. Retrieved June 19, 2023.[permanent dead link‍]
  17. ^ Flores, Helen (November 7, 2022). "Philippines to urge peaceful resolution of Korean row". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  18. ^ Lee-Brago, Pia (January 5, 2018). "Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv disowns 'strip show'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  19. ^ Fernandez, Daniza (September 28, 2022). "Manalo, 23 other DFA execs hurdle CA confirmation". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  20. ^ "PH Ambassador Presents Credentials to Italian President, Thanks Italy for G7 Support for 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea" (Press release). Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  21. ^ Litton, Johnny (October 15, 2007). "A joyful homecoming to remember". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  22. ^ Paras-Sison, Carla (April 4, 2010). "Reaching out to Italy and the world". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  23. ^ "Undiplomatic moves". The Philippine Star. April 4, 2010. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  24. ^ Obanil, Rizal (May 17, 2020). "PH Embassy in Italy to resume SSS services". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  25. ^ Hallare, Katrina (March 29, 2020). "370 Filipinos from 3 cruise ships docked in Italy arrive in Manila". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  26. ^ "High unemployment among young Filipinos in Italy". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 12, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  27. ^ Desiderio, Louella (September 21, 2013). "Gov't organizing Pinoy trade fair in Italy". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  28. ^ Mabasa, Roy (May 3, 2019). "Maltese library project receives Filipino books". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  29. ^ Diño-Seguerra, Liza (September 6, 2020). "Honoring Philippine cinema this September (Part 1)". The Manila Times. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  30. ^ Zulueta, Lito B. (December 5, 2016). "Sentro Rizal opens in Rome, Milan". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  31. ^ "Appointments and Designations: January 21, 2014". Official Gazette. January 21, 2014. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  32. ^ "Contact Us". Embassy of the Philippines, Rome. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  33. ^ "Rome OFWs protest embassy's passport fee". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. September 2, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  34. ^ Villa, Nile (November 1, 2016). "8 OFW groups in Italy petition for recall of PH envoy". Rappler. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  35. ^ Ibayan, Danilo T. (May 5, 2018). "Thank you, Italy, for treating Filipino workers well". The Manila Times. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
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