GOVPH

Badz Magsumbol to Hold Art Workshops in Brussels

The Philippine Embassy in Brussels is pleased to welcome papercut artist Mr. Alberto "Badz" Magsumbol, who will be visiting Belgium in June.

Mr. Magsumbol is a visual storyteller based in Manila. He does art projects and commissions, and shares his advocacy of reaching out to children through art all over the country and abroad. His conservative style reflects the somewhat countryside feel of the old Valenzuela where he grew up.

Aside from his remarkable portraits, Badz is more well-known for his papercuts, which transcend the usual papercut craft from simple two-dimensional art to three-dimensional paper relief sculptures.

Those interested may wish to join Mr. Magsumbol's art workshops (limited slots available):

Art Workshop for Adults

14 June 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 n.n.
Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Avenue Molière 297, 1050 Brussels
Register here: https://forms.gle/LPjs7kqGJSQDh9mr7

Art Workshop for Kids (6-12 years old)

15 June 2025, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Artiste du Monde for Kids, Rue des Cygnes 10, 1050 Bruxelles
Register here: https://forms.gle/zN4U83ccrFVbG2J36 

Philippine Embassy and Port of Antwerp Push for Stronger Port Cooperation

Antwerp, 14 May 2025 – Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Jaime Victor B. Ledda met with senior officials of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) on 14 May 2025 to explore new opportunities for collaboration between Philippine port authorities and one of Europe’s leading maritime hubs.

The meeting, held at the Port House in Antwerp, discussed ways to expand existing cooperation in training, port development, and sustainable infrastructure development.

PoABI officials expressed their interest in expanding the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which focused on capacity-building through the APEC training center. With the agreement set to expire later this year, the port is looking to widen the partnership to include technical advisory support and joint planning for modern, sustainable port infrastructure.

Read more: Philippine Embassy and Port of Antwerp Push for Stronger Port Cooperation

Ambassador Ledda emphasizes importance of the rules-based order and international law at KAS discussion on security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda delivers his remarks at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung seminar for PhD scholarship holders

BRUSSELS 30 April 2025 – Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda engaged doctoral studies scholars of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in an interactive discussion on Indo-Pacific security partnerships at the German foundation’s European Office in Brussels on 30 April 2025.

The group of scholarship holders who come from diverse backgrounds were visiting Brussels as part of a week-long program by the KAS Multinational Development Policy Dialogue focusing on European Union (EU) partnerships in the Indo-Pacific covering security, trade and climate.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ledda emphasized PH’s commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, international law and multilateralism as linchpins of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He cited in particular PH’s efforts in the maritime space, including adherence to UNCLOS, the issuance of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, and close cooperation with like-minded stakeholders such as the EU on enhancing maritime security. Ambassador Ledda also underscored that PH intends to play the role of champion of the rule of law, bridge-builder and voice of the developing world when it secures a seat at the UN Security Council.

Read more: Ambassador Ledda emphasizes importance of the rules-based order and international law at KAS...