The United Nations and the Philippines: A Close and Evolving Relationship

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is a great pleasure to join you today for this event organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs to launch the UN80 commemorative stamps. I warmly congratulate the DFA for this inspired initiative. These stamps are not just beautiful tributes—they are powerful symbols of the Philippines’ enduring commitment to the United Nations and to the values of peace, cooperation, and multilateralism. 

We need the silence of weapons in Iran, Israel, Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan, and give place to diplomacy, dialogue and peace.

Eighty years ago, the Philippines stood proudly among the original signatories of the United Nations Charter. Since then, it has remained a consistent and vocal champion of the rules-based international order. Like all long-standing relationships, the one between the United Nations and the Philippines has continued to grow and adapt to changing needs and aspirations. 

At the time of the UN’s founding, the Philippines was one of the poorest independent nations. Today, it stands on the threshold of upper-middle-income status—driven by robust institutions, a capable civil service, growing infrastructure, and a vibrant economy. 

The United Nations has been a constant partner on this journey. Let me highlight a few key milestones—now in chronological order:

1950s: The UN supported immunization efforts, rural development, and agrarian reform.

1970: We assisted in drafting a modern Labor Code and expanded evidence-based healthcare, significantly reducing maternal mortality.

1970s: We deepened our support in child protection, education, and gender equality, working with national partners to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls.

1996: After the Final Peace Agreement, UN agencies bolstered support for peacebuilding in Mindanao—a commitment that continues today. 

2013: In response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), the UN coordinated emergency food, shelter, and protection services for millions. 

Recent years: The Philippines has emerged as a regional leader in disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and migration governance. Its PAGASA system is now a model for impact-based forecasting across Asia, and the country’s leadership in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration is widely recognized. 

These moments capture just a part of the UN’s long-standing solidarity with the Filipino people. 

Today, our partnership is entering a new chapter. Under the Philippines–United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024–2028, we are transitioning from project-based support to high-level policy advice. Our efforts now focus on strengthening governance systems, institutions, and policies to deliver results at scale—using integrated, multi-sectoral approaches that cut across agency silos. 

Throughout, our work is guided by national ownership, inclusivity, and a firm commitment to gender equality, human rights, and conflict sensitivity. Promoting the empowerment of women and girls remains at the heart of the UN’s mission, because no sustainable development can be achieved without gender justice. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines has transformed from a recipient of development aid into a contributor to global progress. It shares innovation and best practices with the world and is increasingly investing in the UN system—offering both technical expertise and financial contributions that reflect a real-time commitment to multilateralism. 

I am convinced that the United Nations is uniquely placed to support the Philippines on this ambitious path. Our operational presence—comprising 29 UN agencies and over 1,100 personnel working in 60+ locations—underscores the strength of this partnership. The Philippines also hosts two major UN offices: the IOM Global Administrative Centre and the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. 

This strong and unique presence reflects the Philippines’ hospitality, global vision, and enduring commitment to the values of the United Nations. 

We are humbled by this partnership and inspired by its potential. Together, let us continue this shared journey—toward peace, prosperity, gender equality, and sustainable development for all. 

Maraming salamat, at mabuhay po kayong lahat. 

Thank you.