Her Excellency Maria Elena P. Algabre, the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to Hungary, formally presented her credentials to Hungarian President Dr. Tamás Sulyok during an official ceremony held at the historic Sándor Palace in Budapest on June 16, 2025. This significant event marks the official commencement of Ambassador Algabre’s diplomatic mission and signifies a renewed chapter of strengthened Philippine-Hungarian relations.
Ambassador Algabre, accompanied by First Secretary Ria E. Gorospe, Attaché Sheridan B. Sabeniano, and Labor Attaché Joan Lourdes D. Lavilla, was received with full military honors by the Commander of the Budapest Garrison. The time-honored ceremonial rites, deeply rooted in Hungary’s rich diplomatic tradition, included a formal audience with President Sulyok in the resplendent Hall of Mirrors.
Following the ceremonial presentation, Ambassador Algabre and President Sulyok engaged in a productive bilateral meeting in the Blue Salon. Both officials reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to further fortify the robust Philippines-Hungary relations, which are now celebrating their 52nd year. They underscored the importance of sustaining the increasing engagements between the two nations across diverse sectors. Discussions highlighted the frequent interactions between senior officials and parliamentarians, and the expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, agriculture, water management, education, and labor mobility. Emerging fields like digital science and space research were also identified as promising avenues for future collaboration.
President Sulyok acknowledged the shared democratic values and Christian heritage that bind the two countries, to which Ambassador Algabre responded that these serve as excellent foundations for the enduring ties and partnership. She eloquently highlighted the symbolic link between the Philippine national hero and novelist Dr. José Rizal and the celebrated Hungarian revolutionary and poet Sándor Petőfi, both eminent intellectuals and artists who championed freedom in their respective countries.
People-to-people exchanges were also a key focus of the discussion, with both sides noting their flourishing nature. Ambassador Algabre extended gratitude to Hungary for the generous Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships annually awarded to deserving Filipino students. She also observed the growing number of self-funded Filipino students choosing Hungarian universities for their higher education, finding Hungary a conducive environment for their academic pursuits.
President Sulyok expressed his appreciation for the recent opening of the Philippine Labor Office in Hungary and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the country. Ambassador Algabre lauded the OFWs as a positive force, paying tribute to their significant contributions not only to the Philippines but also to the Hungarian economy and society.
The official ceremonies concluded with Ambassador Algabre leading a poignant wreath-laying tribute at Heroes’ Square, honoring Hungary’s national heroes. This act symbolized the Philippines’ profound respect and enduring friendship with the two nations.
The presentation of credentials formally inaugurates Ambassador Algabre’s mission in Hungary, signaling a promising and closer chapter in Philippine-Hungarian diplomatic relations.
