First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined the Consular Corps of the Philippines in celebrating its 50th anniversary in Makati City last week.

Marking five decades as the umbrella group for consuls and heads heads of mission in the Philippines, the Consular Corps celebrated its 50th year by spotlighting the diplomatic and humanitarian milestones its member states have achieved together.

“Fifty years of building bridges across nations — and lifting communities along the way,” Mrs. Marcos said.

“So inspired to be with people who work quietly but impact lives loudly,” she added.

Mrs. Marcos was joined by United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson at the event.

The organization announced plans to expand and implement more charitable projects next year, particularly those that support young girls, the homeless, and communities affected by calamities.

The First Lady praised the group for the five decades of service and congratulated its members on their achievements.

“Happy Golden Anniversary to the Consular Corps!” she wrote on her social media page.

What Consular Corps does

The Consular Corps is the collective group of consuls and consular officers representing foreign governments in a host country. Unlike ambassadors who handle high-level diplomacy, consuls focus on practical, everyday concerns — assisting their nationals, supporting businesses and strengthening community ties.

In the Philippines, this community is organized under the Consular Corps of the Philippines, which helps coordinate with government, business groups, and local institutions.

Consuls deliver essential services, including issuing passports and visas, providing notarial and civil registry assistance, and helping their citizens during emergencies. They also promote trade, tourism, cultural exchanges, and monitor local economic conditions, all under the framework of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The corps is composed of both career consuls, who serve as full-time foreign service officials, and honorary consuls, often respected local figures appointed to extend a foreign state’s presence in a cost-efficient way.

As global travel, migration, and cross-border business continue to expand, consular work has grown more vital. Today, consulates often serve as frontline responders during crises while also acting as important channels for investment promotion and international cooperation.