Phl Embassy in Madrid honors longest-residing overseas workers

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid honored 10 of the longest-residing Filipino expats in Spain and Andorra during a ceremony celebrating 79 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Spain.

Philippine Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Philippe J. Lhuillier conferred the 2026 Gawad Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier awards on community members whose stays in the region range from 32 to 51 years. The oldest among the group arrived in Europe in 1975.

"Your sacrifices built the path we walk today. Your legacy will guide the generations that follow," Lhuillier said during the ceremony. "Today, we do more than give awards — we honor stories."

Established by Lhuillier in 2018, the recognition program honors early Filipino immigrants who established lives abroad during periods when international migration presented significant administrative and cultural challenges.

The 2026 honorees include Leticia Vilvar Sareño, a resident of 51 years; Perla Lagasca Esteban, 47 years; Cerelina Delmendo Navarro, 46 years; Patricia Pera Pera, 46 years; Adelaida Japson Lobo, 43 years; Wenny Gauran Solano, 42 years; Violeta Abutin Manalo, 41 years; Evelyn Denus Quiamas, 41 years; Fortunato Segundo Desiar, 34 years; and Erlinda Ramos Koo, 32 years.

Embassy officials noted that the 10 recipients represent a combined 423 years of residency abroad, serving as cultural ambassadors and strengthening ties between the Philippines, Spain, and Andorra.