Hungary and PH celebrate Friendship Week
The Embassy of Hungary in Manila and the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently hosted Hungary-Philippines Friendship Week 2025, celebrating over 50 years of diplomatic relations and strengthening ties between the two nations.
The event marked the 177th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and last year’s milestone opening of the Migrant Workers Office in Budapest. Through cultural programs and labor initiatives, the weeklong event highlighted shared achievements and deepened cooperation between Hungary and the Philippines.
The celebration kicked off on March 10 with Hungary Day at the DMW Head Office in Mandaluyong City, led by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth.
The event featured an Overseas Filipino Workers Bazaar, virtual participation from over 12,000 Filipino workers in Hungary, and cultural performances. A special highlight was the presentation of a Letter of Appreciation from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to Honorary Consul General Alfonso Yuchengco III, recognizing his 25 years of service in strengthening bilateral ties.
Labor cooperation was a key focus, with a job fair connecting Filipino workers to Hungarian employers and discussions on ethical recruitment, reintegration, and visa processes. On March 11, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Association for Central European Employment of Overseas Filipino Workers and the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, reinforcing ethical labor practices.
The event concluded with a screening of the Hungarian film “Semmelweis” (2023), showcasing Hungary’s contributions to medicine and the arts. The Hungary-Philippines Friendship Week reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between the two nations, paving the way for more future collaborations.
