“I envision a venue where skills training, language lessons, meetings, forums and pop-up events can take place, where the Embassy can hold political, economic and cultural events to promote Philippine interests in Spain. Sana ang Centro ay makatulong para lalo pang makilala ang Pilipinas, that Filipinos will be known to be beyond being hard workers, but a people who take pride in their culture and heritage,” said Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier during the inauguration of the Centro de Filipinas en Madrid, a multipurpose venue that may be used by the Embassy and the Filipino Community to political, economic and cultural activities.

Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier welcomed the Filipino Community to the opening of the Centro de Filipinas en Madrid, which was held on 24 October 2023. Senate President Miguel Zubiri, Senators Joel Villanueva, Pia Cayetano and JV Estrado joined the Ambassador in the ribbon-cutting following the blessing of the Centro.

The Filipino Community were able to speak with the Senators in the open forum that followed. Nurse Michelle Aquino dela Cruz spoke on behalf of Filipino nurses living in Spain who are seeking to have their Philippine diplomas recognized in Spain.