Philippine Embassy in The Hague cited as example for other embassies in monument restoration

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The City Government of The Hague and the group that oversees monumental heritage cited the Philippine Embassy's building as a perfect example of a proper renovation done on a historic and monumental building that other chanceries can take a cue from.

In a monumental embassies symposium held at the Kalayaan Hall of the refurbished Philippine Embassy last Sept. 21, 2026, the city and the Vereniging Vrienden Monumentaal Erfgoed Den Haag en Omgeving VME (Association of Friends of Monumental Heritage) praised the embassy for its work.

The symposium was attended by The Hague First Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and The Hague Monuments Fund.

Deputy Mayor de Mos remarked that The Hague's monumental heritage is part of the city's DNA.

"The topic, historic embassy buildings, after all, is closely connected with our city's identity. The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, has been our national centre of diplomacy for centuries. In what other Dutch city could you see an ambassador travelling by carriage to the Palace Noord-Einde to present their credentials to the king? The Hague-built heritage is an equally important aspect of its character. The Hague has more than 1,100 national monuments and over 1,300 other monuments," the Deputy Mayor said.

When asked how the city government could support embassies, he pointed to many other aspects that will make it easier for them.

"The Municipality of The Hague is there to point the way to the embassies— where to go, how to make contact, and the steps to take. Regarding permits, for instance, the municipality can be of tremendous help. And if you have questions about that, the wonderful foundation hosting today’s symposium is the place to turn. Do reach out to them, so that together we can make those beautiful embassy buildings in The Hague even more magnificent."

Heritage embassy building

In his remark Amb.J. Eduardo Malaya said that the symposium is a recognition of the need to maintain and preserve the beautiful heritage and monumental buildings that include chanceries and ambassadors' residences.

When Amb. Malaya began his tour of duty five years ago, he initiated the renovation of the embassy building, built in 1871 and one of national heritage monuments along Laan Copes van Cattenburch, a street lined by different embassies. The Philippine government bought the property in 1968 and it had not undergone any major renovation since then. The renovation began in 2021 until mid-2022.

"The abiding philosophy behind our approach was that for us to be able to conduct diplomacy better, we should first fix our house, this chancery; for us to represent the Philippines in the best way possible in the Netherlands, our chancery should reflect the best in our country and people; and finally, as a good resident of The Hague, we should do our part in maintaining its rich architectural legacy and character," he said.

He added renovating the 150-year-old building was the biggest non-diplomatic related challenge he had. The renovation began during COVID time with a very modest budget. They had to address not just structural but also other issues. Finding contractors specializing in heritage renovation was not easy. After the renovation was finished, minor flooding occurred in the basement so they had to redo the construction of the floor but also keeping the same original tiles.

"As a diplomat with no background nor experience in construction work or project management, undertaking the chancery renovation was a challenging, if not daunting, task. However, once the project was completed, it was very rewarding and most fulfilling," he said.

The result has become an example for other embassies to follow. Amb. Malaya also proudly mentioned that because of the renovation they are saving a lot of money by no longer renting venues for functions since there is already a presentable and spacious hall at the Embassy. The parking lot behind the building was also converted into the Dr. Jose Rizal courtyard where outdoor events can also be held. Solar panels were also installed on the roof of the garage.

He said that embassies that want to undertake what the Philippine Embassy did are lucky because VME will support them. In fact, this reporter has witnessed the deputy of the Iranian Embassy approach the VME regarding the planned restoration of the ambassador's residence.

Protect, preserve and secure

The VME is a local organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and securing the future of historical buildings—specifically national monuments that are 100 years or older—in the The Hague region.

The association was formed through a collaboration between Stadsherstel Den Haag (City Restoration The Hague) and the Haags Monumentenfonds (The Hague Monument Fund).

The VME operates as a vital advocacy group, actively raising the alarm when significant local properties suffer from deferred maintenance or neglect.

VME has an ongoing campaign to protect monumental embassy buildings in The Hague, called the "Embassy Heritage Compass" initiative to address the deterioration of diplomatic real estate. They offer embassies advise on their concrete questions and plan to navigate renovation, restoration or repair of their monumental buildings and residences.

According to board chair Floor Schipper, a symposium held for the embassies, attended by ambassadors and consular officers, is a good start of this engagement, wherein the Philippines sets a good example.

"We are pleased to see this renovated building. It is really beautiful. Take a look at the ceiling, at the paintings, it is really nice. We are really very happy and we hope that other embassies follow this example," Schipper of the the monumental heritage group said.