The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona was inaugurated on 07 June 2021, with around sixty-five people in attendance.
Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, in her welcome remarks, thanked Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier, and the Filipino community for their determination in lobbying for the re-opening of the Consulate General. She warmly welcomed the esteemed guests, saying, “Dear friends, our task is as grand as our vision, for this Consulate to become the platform for a more rejuvenated collaboration and frequent exchanges.”
Ambassador Lhuillier, from Madrid, graced the happy occasion. In his remarks, he recounted several historical facts that are a testament to the Philippines’ long love affair with Spain and their significance in furthering the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Spain. He said, “…but we don’t want to simply reminisce the past. We want to look ahead and underscore these historical ties as a foundation for building a stronger relationship.”
He added, “Our career Consul General is taking on a big agenda—serving the more than 35,000 Filipinos under this Consulate’s jurisdiction and promoting economic, political, cultural and people-to-people relations; creating a base from which we can learn more about the opportunities where we can work together, establishing networks in areas under the Consulate’s jurisdiction and helping advance all aspects of bilateral relations.”
Also giving their remarks, were a number of Spanish high officials, including the Sub-delegate of the Government of Barcelona, Hon. Carlos Prieto; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Hon. Victoria Alsina; and Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet. They all expressed their full support and best wishes for the successful re-opening of the Consulate General.
The business community was also represented by officials from the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and networks of the Barcelona Activa.
Heads of institutions such as Casa Asia and think tank Barcelona Center for International Affairs were also present.
The short programme included the blessing of the Consulate by Fr. Francis de Guzman.
