In 2021, the Philippines and The Netherlands commemorated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations; also the 155 years of The Netherlands’ consular presence in the Philippines.
PH and NL were “once one country” from 1565 to 1585 under Charles V and King Philip of the Habsburg.
In the early 16th century, Dutch VOC trading vessels from Ternate (now Indonesia) traded with the Maguindanao Sultanate in Cotabato and were warmly received by Sultan Kudarat. These arrangements lasted for two centuries during the reign of eight sultans.
Eduard Douwes Dekker’s (“Multatuli”) 1860 novel “Max Havelaar” served as an inspiration for Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel “El Filibusterismo.”
In 1866, Mr. Peter van Polanen was appointed as the first Dutch Honorary Consul in Manila.
Starting 1929, priests from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) and the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) from The Netherlands arrived in the Philippines.
Bilateral relations commenced in 1951 with the appointment of Proceso E. Sebastian as first envoy of the Philippines to The Netherlands, with residence in Paris.
In 1951, KLM airlines commenced flights between Amsterdam and Manila.
In 1964, the first groups of Filipino nurses arrived in The Netherlands, and worked in the university hospital in Utrecht.
In 1968, the Philippine Embassy, during the term of Ambassador Delfin R. Garcia, acquired the property at Laan Copes van Cattenburch 125 for its chancery.
Filipino cuisine is increasingly being appreciated in NL, with the presence of the following restaurants and food outlets: Baryo Pilipinas, Nordrick Asian Grill and Salads, Julieta, Luneta Ice Cream, House of Pinoy Foods Amsterdam, Kusinang Pinoy, among others.
Don Papa Rum from Negros Province is among the top 5 best-selling premium rums in NL.
