Draft:Embassy of the Philippines, Riyadh

The Embassy of the Philippines in Saudi Arabia is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established on December 23, 1973 in Jeddah, the embassy is now located in the Diplomatic Quarter district in Riyadh.

The embassy also covers Philippine interests in the Republic of Yemen. It maintains an Honorary Consulate in Sana'a.

History
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in October 1969, following its recognition of the Kingdom on November 15, 1946. The first Philippine mission opened in Jeddah on December 23, 1973.

A 1983 Royal Decree by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud mandated the relocation of all diplomatic missions to Riyadh, the new capital city. The Philippine government acquired land through a formal agreement in 1985. The embassy temporarily operated in the King Fahd Quarter beginning July 1985 while the new chancery was constructed in the Diplomatic Quarter.

In 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos laid the cornerstone for the new embassy buildings. The new chancery was inaugurated in 1996 under Ambassador Romulo M. Espaldon.

Buildings
The Philippine Embassy Chancery and the Official Residence are based on the iconic buildings and complex designed by the architect and Philippine National Artist Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa who designed the famous EDSA Shrine and Coconut Palace in the Philippines.

In 2022, under the leadership of Ambassador Adnan Alonto, the Philippine Government constructed the Multipurpose Hall inside the embassy compound. The building is currently used as a sports center and consular office.

Head of Mission
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is currently headed by Mr. Rommel Romato, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.

Other diplomatic staff

 * Consul General Rommel Romato
 * Consul Paolo Zurita

Embassy sections

 * Political Affairs Section
 * Economic Affairs Section
 * Consular Section
 * Assistance to Nationals Unit
 * Visa Services
 * Notarial Services
 * Public and Cultural Affairs Section
 * Administrative Section
 * Foreign Liaison Office
 * Migrant Workers Office (Labor Attaché)
 * Philippine Trade and Investment Center (Commercial Attaché)
 * Police Attaché

There are also Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah and an Honorary Consulate in Sana'a, Yemen.

Activities


The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh serves as a lifeline for Filipinos in Saudi Arabia. It protects the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through labor assistance programs and promotes their well-being with cultural events and reintegration initiatives. The embassy also facilitates a smooth Hajj experience for Filipino Muslims and assists Filipino scholars pursuing educational opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Looking beyond needs of overseas Filipinos in the Kingdom, the embassy fosters trade and business partnerships between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It promotes the Philippines as a tourist destination and connects Filipino professionals with their Saudi and Yemeni counterparts. By offering targeted support for nurses and engineers, the embassy ensures a smooth transition for these in-demand professionals.

The Philippine Embassy serves as a bridge, fostering connections and safeguarding the interests of Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.