2026: Celebrating Francophonie in the Philippines
Restoran, altruwismo, but also adobo and halaya … did you know these Filipino words trace their origins to French, often via Spanish? They capture the essence of Francophonie: a blend of diversity, art-de-vivre and enduring values.
As we launch Francophonie Month, the global Francophone community in the Philippines embarks on a journey of exceptional significance. This year, the celebrations will extend from March to November 2026, united under the theme “En route to the 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.”
Together, we will celebrate the vitality of Francophonie and its presence in Asia, paving the way toward the landmark summit in Cambodia.
Francophonie worldwide. Spoken by more than 320 million people across 106 countries and territories on five continents, French ranks as the fifth most spoken language in the world and serves as an official language in 29 states and governments. It is also one of the two working languages of the Secretariat of the United Nations.
Established on March 20, 1970, in Niamey, Niger, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is a unique organization that promotes political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among its member countries, for the benefit of their populations.
Francophonie and linguistic diversity in the Philippines. Although the Philippines is not a member of the OIF, the outlook for the French language is promising, with a positive image and growing opportunities in sectors such as services, BPO, and student mobility.
Key institutions play a central role in this development. The Alliance Française in Manila and Cebu, leading universities such as the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University to name just a few, as well as the Association of French Teachers, all contribute significantly to the promotion and teaching of the French language.
The Department of Education is also an active partner. Since 2009, French has been included in the curriculum of 12 science high schools in the National Capital Region and Region 7, with expansion now planned to 26 additional schools across six other regions.
Globally, French remains the second most-taught foreign language after English, with 132 million learners.
Francophonie Month in the Philippines. During Francophonie Month 2026, Francophone Embassies will lead a diverse program of initiatives celebrating the French language and the cultural richness of Francophone countries. The complete calendar of events will be shared through the social media platforms of the French Embassy and other Francophone embassies in the Philippines.
Among the first events, the Alliance Française in Manila (AFM) will present screenings of French-language films with English subtitles, offering audiences captivating cinematic experiences and showcasing the diversity of Francophone cultures.
On March 13, a lively karaoke event will be hosted at the AFM, bringing together French-speaking ambassadors, Department of Foreign Affairs representatives, French learners, teachers, and speakers.
Francophonie Summit in Cambodia. The upcoming Francophonie Summit represents the highest decision-making authority within the Francophonie framework. Held every two years, it brings together heads of state and government from member countries to discuss cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared values that unite the Francophone world.
Today, the Francophonie brings together 88 states and governments and more than 320 million French speakers across the globe. The 2026 edition carries historic significance, as it will be only the second Summit ever organized in Asia, nearly 30 years after the Hanoi Summit in 1997. Hosting this major international gathering highlights the growing role of the region within the Francophone community.
The Summit will honor Cambodia, a nation with deep historical ties to the Francophonie. This edition will showcase the vitality of the Francophonie spirit in Southeast Asia, reaffirming Cambodia’s and the OIF’s commitment to dialogue, solidarity, and shared development.
The Summit also holds strong symbolic significance as a tribute to His Majesty the late King Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, one of the founding fathers of multilateral Francophonie. Following the momentum of the 19th Summit held in France in 2024, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni officially accepted the hosting duties in Paris, declaring: “In 2026, the Khmer smile will be the smile of the Francophonie.”
As we look toward the 20th Summit in Cambodia, we invite you to join this vibrant global community—whether by learning French at Alliance Française in Manila or Cebu, attending cultural events, or embracing the values of dialogue and cultural diversity.
Throughout the year, a variety of cultural and educational activities will take place to celebrate the richness of Francophone cultures. We encourage you to remain engaged by following our official channels.
Vive la Francophonie, Mabuhay!
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Marie Fontanel is the Ambassador of France to the Philippines. Sin Saream is the Ambassador of Cambodia to the Philippines.
