By: Nino Aclan

Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla hailed the strong and deep friendship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, even as he voiced hopes these ties will endure.

Padilla, who visited the Czech Republic to observe how it regulates the use of medical cannabis, noted that while diplomatic ties between the two countries started in 1973 their relationship dates back to the 19th century.

“The Philippines commits to further deepening its relationship by fostering economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships with the Czech Republic,” Padilla said in Senate Resolution 1068, “expressing the sense of the Senate” in recognizing the strong ties between the two countries. The resolution was filed last Monday.

According to Padilla, it was in Litoměřice, a town that was once part of Austria, then Czechoslovakia, that Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal solidified a friendship with Ferdinand Blumentritt, a schoolmaster there.

He noted Blumentritt played a significant role in our revolution against Spanish colonialism, as he was believed to have encouraged and even donated money for the publication of Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” which triggered the Filipinos’ movement for independence.

“For over 50 years, the relationship between the Filipinos and the Czechs has only grown stronger and went beyond the recorded ties between two historical figures,” he noted.

On the other hand, he said there are some 7,026 Filipinos now in the Czech Republic engaged in the processing industry, automotive, repair of appliances, manufacturing, IT communications, real estate, health or wellness, and household service work.

During the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Czech Republic last March, heads of both states witnessed the signing of a joint communique for a labor consultation mechanism; and the signing of memorandums of understanding between Philippine and Czech business leaders to promote trade and investment.