New PH Envoy Charts Bold Agenda for Filipinos in Ireland

Ballsbridge, Dublin — Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to Ireland, Daniel R. Espiritu, has outlined the Philippine Embassy’s key priorities in a recent interview. The meeting took place ahead of the Ambassador’s formal presentation of credentials to President Michael D. Higgins, scheduled for July 2025.

Espiritu highlighted the expansion of consular services as a top priority, announcing plans for nationwide outreach programs to bring essential services closer to Filipino communities across Ireland. These services will include passport renewals, civil registry support—including marriage registration—and, document legalisation.

“Our goal is to make government services more accessible to our kababayans, especially those living in rural areas,” said Espiritu.

“We understand the financial and logistical challenges involved in travelling to Dublin and are committed to easing this burden,” he added.

Support for Filipinos in distress will also be a key focus, alongside the delivery of community-based services such as officiating oath-taking ceremonies for Filipino organisations and recognising the contributions of Filipinos making a positive impact in Ireland.

The Ambassador-designate outlined a three-pronged strategy for the embassy: enhancing consular services, promoting Philippine culture, and strengthening economic diplomacy. Initiatives in trade, investment, and cultural exchange will form a central part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties between Ireland and the Philippines.

The embassy also plans to hold public information sessions to address community concerns and promote awareness of programs such as Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV), ensuring that Filipino citizens remain active participants in the democratic process. Additional services from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are expected to become available once the embassy is fully operational.

Espiritu’s forthcoming presentation of credentials will mark the official start of his diplomatic mission and signal a new phase in Philippine-Irish relations—one anchored in economic diplomacy, outreach, cultural visibility, and meaningful engagement with the Filipino community across Ireland.

Photo Source: Vanda Brady, TFCN Ireland