Trinity Hosts Debate on the Future of The Philippines-Ireland Relations
Posted on: 30 May 2024
The Honorable Maria Elena P. Algabre, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, The Philippines visited Trinity College Dublin today to sit down with Daniel Faas, Professor in Sociology, and Martin Murray, Executive Director of Asia Matters, to discuss the role of the Philippines in global trade, EU-Philippines trade priorities and opportunities for partnerships with Ireland.
In her speech, the Assistant Secretary for European Affairs explained what makes the Philippines an economic player, and she gave a profile of Philippines global trade and promoted sectors for foreign investment. Algabre strongly emphasised the relevance of the Philippines to Ireland and how we can develop future relations.
She continued by saying that "The Philippines and Ireland are like-minded countries with shared values, including sustained and inclusive prosperity of our people. We see a very positive future for our strengthening bilateral relations."
Martin Murray, Executive Director of Asia Matters and co-host of the event, commented:
"Ireland and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1984. The opening of an Embassy of Ireland in Manila in 2021 under Ambassador William Carlos represented an important step in deepening our relationship. The reopening of an Embassy of The Philippines in Dublin in late 2024 will truly transform the partnership momentum between our two countries.
"The Trinity College Dublin lecture & fireside chat with the Honorable Maria Elena P. Algabre, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, The Philippines gave great insight into economic priorities in higher education, tech and food sectors as we together build the future of The Philippines - Ireland Relations.”
The speech by the Honorable Maria Elena P. Algabre was followed by a Question-and-Answer session with the audience which included representatives from the Irish tech and food industries, government officials as well as Filipino students. Here the discussion also extended to the role of education, including partnerships within Higher Education between the two countries. The growing-middle classes in the Philippines are increasingly able to travel and study overseas including in Ireland and other European countries.
Daniel Faas, Professor in Sociology and Fellow of Trinity College Dublin who co-hosted the event, said:
"Over the past six years, Trinity College Dublin has seen a fivefold increase in the number of Filipino students on campus, now totalling almost 120 students. Trinity's deepening relationship with the Philippines also includes regular alumni gatherings in Manila with three such events having taken place in recent years, as well as the establishment of a new Filipino student society on campus earlier this year.
"The Filipino community has made a vital and lasting contribution to Irish society, and the growing presence of Filipinos among Trinity's diversifying student population is an asset and testimony to the university becoming a microcosm of Ireland."