Philippines And Italy Strengthen Cultural Ties

The governments of the Philippines and Italy are taking steps to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco cited the growing Italian source market as a promising area for collaboration, given the cultural synergies between the two nations. I Photo: Department of Tourism - Philippines

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco cited the growing Italian source market as a promising area for collaboration, given the cultural synergies between the two nations.

She also highlighted the DOT’s flagship initiatives, such as the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), the development of tourism infrastructure, shopping tourism, and the upcoming hosting of Terra Madre Asia Pacific 2025—a regional platform that aligns with Italy’s globally acclaimed Slow Food movement and cultural values.

Frasco recently welcomed Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Davide Giglio, who made a courtesy call at the DOT Central Office in Makati City.

“The meeting underscored mutual aspirations for cultural tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Italy, exploring opportunities anchored in shared heritage, religious traditions, and tourism perspectives,” the DOT chief said.

Ambassador Giglio noted the potential for increased Italian arrivals, drawn by the Philippines’ rich religious heritage—including its Baroque churches—and tourism products that resonate with Italian travelers.

He also acknowledged the vital role of Filipino cruise ship personnel, many of whom serve on Italian cruise lines.

The Italian envoy, who assumed his post in July 2024, expressed eagerness to pursue joint endeavors through both official channels and people-to-people exchanges.

Last March, the Philippines made its first appearance at the Carnevale di Venezia, showcasing Filipino folk dances in the famous Italian city. A total of 36 dancers from three groups—including one based in London—performed a 30-minute routine of Filipino folk dances in front of thousands at the Piazza San Marco.

The Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company presented a variety of dances, while the Filipino communities of Vicenza and Venice performed the Sinulog and the Bulaklakan, respectively.

The groups were organized by the Filipino Chaplaincy of Vicenza, headed by Fr. Elmer Bumanlag, SVD, and the local Filipino community led by Richard Olarte, upon the request of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan.

The Chaplaincy put the entire performance together in collaboration with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Venice and the Department of Tourism.

Consul General Elmer G. Cato told the Piazza San Marco audience, “We hope that after watching these dances, you will fall in love with the Philippines and want to visit the 7,600 islands that make up our country.”

He added that, at nearly 200,000 people, Italy hosts the largest Filipino community in the European Union.

The centuries-old Venice Carnival draws around three million tourists annually. The Philippines’ debut at the event highlighted the country's rapidly recovering tourism market in the continent, Cato emphasized.