In the traditional Vin d’Honneur that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. hosted at the National Museum on Thursday, he made a vow to further strengthen the country’s relations with its allied countries.

“I thank you all for bringing us the honor of your presence here today. Furthermore, I thank you for the very kind wishes of congratulations from your countries, from your government, from your heads of state, and for the continuing offer that you have made to the Philippines for support and partnership in the future,” Marcos told the diplomats.

Marcos said that the global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic would be “more balanced and stable” through continued cooperation among the affected countries.

“I still believe that the transformation of the world economy and our recovery from the pandemic will be dependent on our partners and our allies. And it will be those partnerships that will strengthen that recovery, that will make a more balanced and stable new global environment for us to work in,” he said.

Marcos acknowledged the various offers of help from the allied countries in terms of addressing the climate crisis.

“I was especially struck by the importance that all of your countries have come to put on climate change. I believe that it was unanimous. All the ambassadors, all the representatives of the different countries who I have met with have each made offers of help in terms of mitigation on and adaptation to climate change,” he said.

He also emphasized the significance of addressing climate change as the Philippines is in “the most vulnerable position compared to many other countries.”

Marcos also underlined that his administration is focused on keeping the Philippines’ good relations with its allied countries.

“I cannot think of a better beginning to a new administration than to be able to have determined the partnerships and strengthen the relationships between our countries. And that is something that we will work with very, very clearly,” he said.

According to the Official Gazette, the term ‘Vin d’Honneur’ comes from the French practice which means “wine of honor.” It traditionally happens at the end of inaugurations, speeches, and ceremonies that mark the social life of the French provinces.

In the Philippine context, it is primarily considered a diplomatic event.

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