British Embassy Manila marked King Charles III's birthday and 80 years of UK-Philippines ties, highlighting trade, climate, security and people links.
Manila, Philippines - The British Embassy Manila hosted the King's Birthday Party on 9 June to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III and mark the 80th anniversary of UK-Philippines diplomatic relations, first formalised in 1946. Over 500 guests from government, business, and civil society attended the reception.
Speaking at the event, British Ambassador to the Philippines, Sarah Hulton OBE said:
This year is a special milestone: 80 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines. This celebration is about both honouring that history and looking ahead to what we can build for the future.
She further added:
Our focus is clear, we are committed to strengthening trade and economic growth, advancing meaningful action on climate, empowering women and girls, and promoting security.
The past year has seen the bilateral relationship between the UK and the Philippines reach new milestones with two-way trade reaching a record £3.2 billion. Cooperation on climate and sustainable development continues to expand. And the UK is also supporting the Philippines in its clean energy transition to strengthen resilience.
Cooperation on defence and security has likewise deepened with negotiations on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) progressing. This reflects the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen defence cooperation and support for a rules-based system.
The UK is also working with the Philippines to advance the rights, safety and economic empowerment of women and girls.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Philippine government, DFA Undersecretary for Administration Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega underscored the strength of UK-Philippines relations and reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to further expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
She stated:
As we celebrate eighty years of diplomatic relations this year, we do so with optimism and confidence in what the next eighty years may bring. Together, we will continue to invest in peace and stability in our communities, ensuring that women have a place at the table; strengthen institutions and promote good governance; and pursue future-ready prosperity through investments in education, energy, infrastructure, innovation, and climate resilience.
People-to-people links remain a cornerstone of the relationship with over 250,000 Filipinos living and working in the UK. This includes more than 35,000 nurses in the NHS who are making outstanding contributions to UK healthcare. Meanwhile, alumni of the UK's prestigious Chevening scholarship programme also continue to make positive impact across government, business, academia, and civil society in the Philippines.
The King's Birthday Party is an annual celebration of the UK and a celebration to recognise the close and enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
The British Embassy Manila thanks its partners for supporting this year's King's Birthday Party: San Miguel Corporation; Pru Life UK; Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill Philippines; Unilever; HSBC; Efekta; Airbus; BSI; Standard Chartered; Shell; VFS and the British Council. And in kind, Diageo; Wisk and Coombe Castle; Emperador Distilleries; and Estate Wine.
