Reflecting the strong ties between two nations stands the Embassy of the Philippines in Beirut. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of cooperation and support between the Philippines and Lebanon.
The Embassy of the Philippines first opened its doors in Beirut in November 1996. Fortunato Oblena became the country’s first resident ambassador. Before this, the Philippines managed its relations with Lebanon through an honorary consulate. This consulate was linked to the Philippine Embassy in Cairo and later to the Embassy in Amman.
Initially, the embassy was in Raouché, Ras Beirut. In 2006, it moved to a bigger location in Achrafieh. This allowed the embassy to combine its consular and labor services in one place. Then in 2012, the Embassy of the Philippines moved to its current location in Hadeth. The new building provides more space for larger events.
From 1996 to 2008, the embassy also oversaw relations with Syria. Later, a separate embassy was established in Damascus. It officially opened on April 17, 2009.
Raymond R. Balatbat currently leads the Philippine Embassy in Beirut. President Rodrigo Duterte appointed him on December 3, 2020. Balatbat has worked in the Philippine foreign service since 1997. He has served in Philippine missions across the Islamic world.
Bernardita Catalla was a notable ambassador who served from 2018 to 2020. She was known for her dedication to Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs. Sadly, she passed away on April 2, 2020, due to COVID-19.
The Embassy of the Philippines focuses on aiding the many OFWs in Lebanon. On November 7, 2000, the embassy opened a Filipino Workers’ Resource Center. This center provides legal assistance to OFWs in Lebanon. The treatment of OFWs in Lebanon has often been a concern for the embassy.
In 2005, the embassy protested a raid by the Lebanese government on legally documented OFWs. In 2011, the embassy even discouraged people from seeking work in Lebanon. In 2017, Ambassador Catalla quickly resumed the registration of Filipinos in Lebanon. The embassy had not been keeping track of the number of Filipinos in the country. By the next year, over 12000 OFWs had been registered and given registration cards.
The Embassy of the Philippines has also helped repatriate Filipinos affected by conflicts in Lebanon. This occurred in 2006 and 2019. Catalla personally led the 2019 effort. The embassy also facilitated the evacuation of Filipinos from Syria due to the civil war.
In addition to its protective role, the Embassy of the Philippines promotes Filipino culture in Lebanon. It also encourages cultural exchanges between the two countries. Events have included film screenings and art exhibitions. For example, the embassy presented the Filipino translation of Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet” to his museum in 2018.
The Embassy of the Philippines plays a crucial role in Beirut. It offers many services. These include passport renewals and document notarization. It provides crucial support for Filipinos in Lebanon. It stands as a beacon of assistance, friendship and cultural exchange.