Phl, Palau strengthen ties on agri, fisheries

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. welcomed Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. during his State Visit to the Philippines on Monday.

The two leaders acknowledged their nations' shared history, as both were under Spanish rule for centuries.

“Our countries share a rich tapestry of history that dates to the colonial era when Spain held sway over much of the Pacific. Although our journeys toward independence unfolded in unique ways, and it was very moving this morning… at the Rizal Memorial Park, both were marked by struggles and resilience,” Whipps told Marcos.

Marcos, in turn, emphasized that years of cooperation and solidarity have strengthened the alliance between the Philippines and Palau, opening more opportunities to enhance bilateral ties.

“Ours is a friendship borne out of the common struggle for independence and for freedom. It is rooted in the strong historical ties and cultural affinity between Filipinos and Palauans that remain to this day,” he said.

As both countries seek to improve relations, the Philippines and Palau signed agreements to expand cooperation in agriculture and fisheries.

Among the signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) is a fisheries cooperation agreement promoting sustainable development through conservation, joint research, fishing ventures, and the prevention of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Policy consultations between the Philippines and Palau have also been formalized, establishing a mechanism for the foreign ministers of both nations to exchange views on bilateral and regional cooperation, as well as international issues of mutual concern.

Additionally, the two countries exchanged a Diplomatic Note for a study visit by Palauan officials and agriculture and fisheries stakeholders to select facilities in the Philippines.

The Philippines will provide support to Palauan agricultural and fisheries officials and stakeholders through experiential learning at Philippine training institutions, hatcheries, research facilities, and local markets to observe and study the country’s best practices in these sectors.

Whipps highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between Palau and the Philippines, acknowledging the contributions of Filipinos in his country.

"We are grateful for all that they do in the development of our young nation, from engineers to doctors to accountants to nurses, and helping us in the tourism sector, and of course, most importantly, construction and helping us build our bridges and our hotels and everything else,” he said. “So, we are truly grateful for the Filipino brothers and sisters that have come to Palau and helped us in our development."

Ties stretch back a generation

The Palauan leader also shared a personal story of the Filipino people's hospitality and skill when his father was seriously injured in 1986.

"In 1986, my father was burned. Sixty-five percent of his body was burned. He was medevacked here from Palau and was at Makati Med for over three months receiving care, and they saved his life," Whipps said.

"We're grateful to the skillful and talented medical facilities and people that you have here that have been able to save lives and improve the lives of our people, extend their lives," he added.

Whipps expressed confidence that by standing united, Palau and the Philippines can overcome challenges and build a brighter, more resilient future.

In 2027, the two nations will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.