CAPITOL HILL MEETING. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (6th from left) meets with US lawmakers during the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (April 17, 2024/US Time). The meeting was aimed at further strengthening ties and fostering collaboration between the two countries. (Photo from House of Representatives website)
MANILA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday (US time) paid a courtesy call to United States Rep. Ami Bera of California's 6th District at the Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. where the Filipino delegation was surprised when the American lawmaker offered them beer and Philippine popular street food “balut”.
Bera’s offer of beer and balut, basically boiled duck egg, served as a symbolic display of camaraderie and cooperation between the US and the Philippines.
Aside from the Speaker, the Philippine delegation included Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino ll, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco, Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, and House Deputy Secretary Generals Jennifer “Jef” Baquiran, David Robert Amorin, and Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada Jr., and other House officials and Philippine embassy officers.
Strengthening of diplomatic ties and crucial regional matters were discussed during the meeting.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, both Romualdez and Bera emphasized the importance of fostering stability, peace, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bera underscored the significance of the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation while respecting each other's sovereignty.
"It's an important time in the region. None of us wants conflicts. We seek cooperation but we should respect each other's sovereignty. We stand close to each other,” Bera said.
In response, Romualdez expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of Bera and his district, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the US.
"Our gratitude and appreciation for your support, especially from your district as your home. We will not take that for granted. You are a true friend to the Philippines,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez also highlighted the historic trilateral partnership between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines.
"Who could have imagined that history would once again be made—the trilateral meeting of the US, Japan, and the Philippines? These are times that unite us, as we look towards the future,” Romualdez said.
They also discussed enhancing defense capabilities, promoting economic opportunities, and strengthening trade relations between the two nations.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of initiatives such as the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences, investments in green economies, and partnerships in global infrastructure projects.
However, amidst the serious talks, the concept of "balut diplomacy" emerged as a lighthearted yet meaningful gesture of cultural exchange.
Bera, who prepared the traditional Filipino delicacy, suggested drafting a memorandum of understanding to be sent to the respective embassies, referring to it playfully as "balut diplomacy."
"We do joint partnerships, English language. Let’s draft and forward it to the Embassy. Call it balut diplomacy,” he said. (PNA)
