Recall a time of shared heritage. Argentina and the Philippines both emerged from the Spanish Empire. Today we stand before the Embassy of Argentina in Manila. It represents decades of diplomatic ties. These ties began on August 27 1948.
During the Spanish colonial era Argentina was part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. It was administered from Buenos Aires. The Philippines was governed from Mexico City. This created a fluid exchange between the Philippines and Latin America. The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade connected to another route. It went from Acapulco to Puerto Callao in Peru.
In 1785 the Real Compañia de Filipinas linked Manila to South America via the Indian Ocean. In 1789 the company opened a trading house in Buenos Aires. Its warehouse was in what is now Parque Lezama. The first Filipinos in Argentina were Andrés de la Cruz and Esteban Luis Mateo Sampzón. They were registered as craftsmen in the 1780 census. Sampzón from Malabon became a master carver of religious art. His works are now considered among the best Argentine religious art.
Argentinians also made their mark on the Philippines. Juan Fermín de San Martín was the brother of Argentine leader José de San Martín. He was an Argentinian soldier and immigrant to the Philippines. Bernabe de Escalada was another relative. He became head accountant of the Royal Treasury in Manila.
Argentina’s Sun of May symbol was adopted in the Philippine Revolution. It featured in the Republic of Biak-na-Bato and the First Philippine Republic. In April 1949 the Philippines opened a diplomatic legation in Buenos Aires. In May 1960 both legations became embassies.
Several high-level visits have occurred. President Raúl Alfonsín visited the Philippines in July 1986. President Carlos Menem visited in October 1995. Philippine President Joseph Estrada visited Argentina in September 1999. Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman visited the Philippines in September 2012.
Numerous bilateral agreements bind Argentina and the Philippines. These include agreements on diplomatic relations and cultural cooperation. They also cover trade and investment. The Embassy of Argentina in Manila stands as a symbol. It represents a lasting friendship. It shows a shared history and bright future. As we conclude our visit reflect on the deep connections. They tie these two nations together.