The First Lady's Corner: FL lauded for strengthening Phl-Palau ties

“Happy to welcome President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau as we celebrate nearly 30 years of friendship between our nations! With our deep ties and shared history, the relations between our country and Palau have always been strong. Here’s to keeping it even stronger,” she wrote.

The post quickly garnered positive feedback, with many netizens praising her hands-on involvement in fostering international relations.

One comment in Filipino expressed gratitude: “Thank you for your efforts to strengthen the relations between our countries!”

Another user remarked, “What a supportive FL!” Many appreciated her presence and dedication to official events, with one commenting: “Solid! First Lady Liza Marcos is proud, always present and hands-on at official events.”

The renewed diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Palau was marked by the signing of three key agreements on fisheries, policy consultations, and labor, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Whipps Jr. witnessed the signing at Malacañang.

Among the agreements signed was a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on policy consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries. This establishes a framework for regular exchanges on regional cooperation, international issues, and policy discussions.

Another significant MoU focuses on fisheries cooperation, forged between the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines and Palau’s Ministry of Fisheries and Environment. The agreement seeks to promote sustainable practices and joint research, as well as to combat illegal fishing.

A diplomatic note was also signed to facilitate a study visit by Palau’s agriculture and fisheries officials to the Philippines, where they will learn best practices in these sectors.

The third agreement focuses on labor cooperation, aimed at improving the welfare of Filipino workers in Palau. The two countries are also exploring a potential social security agreement to ensure the protection of workers’ rights. Currently, over 4,000 Filipinos work in Palau.

This year marks a pivotal time in the relationship between the Philippines and Palau, with both countries preparing to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027.

The First Lady’s active participation in these significant diplomatic events underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to building strong and lasting international partnerships, further cementing the ties between the two nations.