FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS IN LISBON DRIVE DIALOGUE ON PHILIPPINE MARITIME PRIORITIES
The Philippine Embassy officials and staff with the participants of the first Filipino Professionals Networking Forum this year.
Lisbon, 20 February 2026 - The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon convened Filipino professionals and partners for a Networking Forum that underscored community, collaboration, and shared responsibility in advancing Philippine maritime priorities abroad.
Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes welcomed participants from across sectors, noting the strong turnout of Filipino and non-Filipino professionals alike. He emphasized the value of intergenerational dialogue and inclusive engagement. “Diplomacy today is people-centered. It is collaborative. It is strengthened by professionals like you who serve as informal ambassadors of Philippine interests in Portugal and across Europe,” he said.
Ambassador Cortes also called on Filipino professionals to take an active role in the Embassy’s year-long cultural and community initiatives marking the 80th anniversary of Philippines–Portugal diplomatic relations, aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Lou Bryan R. Macabodbod spoke on the Philippines’ maritime priorities and the country’s identity as an archipelagic nation. “We are here to get to know each other, to find a purpose bigger than ourselves, and to celebrate our shared identity,” he said.
He anchored his presentation on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Award on the South China Sea Arbitration, outlining several of the Philippines’ maritime priorities, which include protecting sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction; maintaining a dynamic commitment to international law and promoting adherence to a rules-based international order; strengthening the country’s identity and capacity as a maritime and archipelagic nation; ensuring the sustainable use and development of ocean resources; and engaging in international cooperation and effective diplomacy, among others.
The Filipino professionals received the presentation with keen interest and reflective engagement. During the open forum, Filipina Katrina Torrefranca noted the deep emotional weight of the subject and asked how Filipino professionals might contribute more meaningfully beyond articulating and defending the Philippine position in everyday conversations with foreign friends.
Following this exchange, participants broke into smaller groups for focused discussions, identifying practical initiatives to help advance Philippine maritime interests in ways that align with the Embassy’s commemorative programs for the year.
The Forum concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose and renewed commitment. Through dialogue, collaboration, and actionable initiatives, the Filipino professional community in Lisbon demonstrated how collective engagement can advance national interests while strengthening unity, pride, and meaningful international partnerships. Building on the positive reception of this event, the Philippine Embassy plans to hold additional forums this year focused on other key national priorities. END
Third Secretary and Vice Consul Lou Bryan R. Macabodbod discussed sustainable use and development of ocean resources, one of the Philippine maritime priorities.
Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes during his opening remarks.
Upper photos and lower left photos: the three groups during the breakout session. Lower right photo: a mini exhibit on maritime priorities and its latest developments.