ISLAMABAD, 21 May 2026 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines actively participated in the Closing Ceremony of the Online Internship Program (OIP) 2026 and the accompanying ASEAN Village 2026 hosted by the Embassy of Indonesia and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) in partnership with the University of the Punjab.
The event reflected the collective efforts of ASEAN Missions in Islamabad—namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam—in promoting regional understanding, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity between ASEAN and Pakistan through education, culture, and public diplomacy.
The Philippine delegation, led by H.E. Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, was composed of around 30 participants from the Embassy, attached agencies, locally-engaged foreign service staff (LEFSS), and dependents. The Philippine participation highlighted the country’s vibrant cultural heritage through an immersive cultural and culinary showcase that attracted strong interest from guests and participants.
For its cultural booth, the Philippines featured the traditional Flores de Mayo and its culminating Santacruzan procession—one of the country’s most cherished May celebrations. The booth was adorned with flowers and decorative elements inspired by the festival and included a sagala exhibit and a video presentation introducing visitors to the history, symbolism, and traditions behind the Filipino celebration.
At the ASEAN culinary section, the Philippine delegation warmly served arroz caldo, a beloved Filipino rice porridge made with chicken, rice, ginger, garlic, and flavorful broth, topped with boiled egg, fried garlic, green onions, and calamansi. While its name traces its roots to the Spanish term meaning “rice broth,” arroz caldo has evolved into a uniquely Filipino comfort food associated with warmth, hospitality, and care for family and guests across generations.
Philippine stall attendants also actively engaged guests through interactive trivia, cultural games, and the ASEAN Amazing Race segment of the program, helping introduce visitors to Philippine history, traditions, festivals, and tourism destinations in an enjoyable and accessible manner.
The Philippine participation in this Indonesia-led OIP underscored the importance of ASEAN-Pakistan academic and cultural engagement initiatives in fostering mutual understanding, regional awareness, and enduring friendship among peoples. It also highlighted the role of educational and cultural diplomacy in strengthening ASEAN’s visibility and partnerships in Pakistan.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Pakistani government officials, academics, students, media representatives, business stakeholders, and members of the international community in Islamabad.
The Philippine Embassy’s participation in ASEAN Village 2026 reflects the Philippines’ continuing commitment to cultural diplomacy, regional cooperation, tourism promotion, and public engagement. Through initiatives such as these, the Embassy continues to strengthen the Philippines’ positive visibility abroad while promoting deeper people-to-people ties between ASEAN and Pakistan. END
