MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally received the credentials of five non-resident ambassadors during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace. Chief Coordinator Mrs. Ma. Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, representing Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, joined the President in welcoming the envoys.

The non-resident ambassadors who presented their credentials were:

• Ambassador Mohamed Trabelsi of the Republic of Tunisia
• Ambassador Miguel Ángel Ubaldino Romero Alvarez of the Republic of Paraguay
• Ambassador Bibata Nebie/Ouedraogo of Burkina Faso
• Ambassador Anjanette Kattil of the Republic of Marshall Islands
• Ambassador Ivana Golubović-Duboka of the Republic of Serbia

The presentation of credentials officially marks the start of their diplomatic functions as representatives of their respective countries to the Philippines.

Following the ceremony, the ambassadors paid tribute to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal by laying wreaths at the Rizal National Monument in Luneta Park, showing respect for Filipino history and culture. OP Deputy Assistant Secretary Ruel U. Gunabe served as the Civilian Host, while Col. Rodel C. Pacordo, PAF, acted as the Military Host.

The event was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Protocol, led by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, in coordination with the Office of Presidential Protocol.