MANILA (UPDATE) — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. hosted on Thursday the traditional vin d’honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace, thanking the diplomatic corps for their "crucial role in fostering bilateral ties."

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Vin d'honneur is observed biannually in the Philippines, commemorating both the New Year and the anniversary of the Philippine independence.

Marcos encouraged members of the diplomatic corps to work closely with the Philippine government to find more areas for “collective endeavors and initiatives”.

“I am proud to have closely worked with many of you on many initiatives and endeavors since I assumed the presidency in the middle of 2022. I hope that we will continue to serve as able agents of our respective governments and countries in furthering the breadth and depth of our bilateral ties as well as in exploring collaboration in regional and multilateral fronts,” Marcos said.

Ambassadors from 54 nations and heads of 11 international organizations are among the attendees of the vin d'honneur.

Marcos urged the diplomatic corps to work closely with the Philippines in identifying areas for joint endeavors, particularly on addressing concerns on poverty, education, food security, peace and order, health, jobs and livelihood.

This, as he stressed that the Philippines has recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, shocks from the Russia-Ukraine war, and conflict in the Middle East.

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He also conveyed his optimism for a more positive economic outlook given the Philippines’ “strong economic performance” evidenced by “improving economic condition” and government’s catch-up spending.

—With a report from Joyce Balancio, ABS-CBN News