In the afternoon of June 3, 2026, Her Excellency Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta to the Republic of the Philippines, formally presented her Letter of Credence to His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines.
The ceremony took place at Malacañan Palace, the official residence and principal office of the President. Ambassador Banson was accompanied by her delegation: H.E. Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, Grand Cross Conventual Chaplain; Ms. Ma. Regina Katrina E. Bantug, First Secretary; and Ms. Vida D. Misa, Executive Assistant. Upon arrival, Ambassador Banson signed the Presidential Guestbook, reaffirming her commitment to continued compassionate service for the Filipino people and the Order of Malta.
The formal Presentation of the Letter of Credence occurred in the Reception Hall, where Her Excellency was accompanied by her entourage and Philippine Military Aide-de-Camp. President Marcos was joined by Ms. Reichel Quiñones, Chief of Presidential Protocol, and Ms. Maria Andrelita Austria, Undersecretary for International Economic Relations. Her Excellency was formally introduced by Assistant Secretary Ariel R. Peñaranda, Chief of Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In her address to the President, Ambassador Banson conveyed the warm greetings and highest esteem of His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Dunlap and reaffirmed the Sovereign Order of Malta’s longstanding cooperation with the Philippines in promoting humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable members of society. Her Excellency also paid tribute to her late father, José María Zaragoza, a former Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Philippines and a National Artist for Architecture and Allied Art.
Following the presentation, the delegation was invited to the Music Room for a courtesy call with President Marcos. The discussion touched upon the deep historical ties between the two sovereign entities, as well as future opportunities for collaboration. Specifically, they discussed initiatives aimed at helping the Filipino people live with dignity and faith. The courtesy call successfully reinforced a mutual commitment to serving those most in need.
Ambassador Banson and her entourage then proceeded to Luneta Park for the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Joining her to witness the ceremony were her husband, Mr. Jose Antonio T. Banson, and her son, Mr. Jaime Giampaolo Z. Banson.
During the ceremony, the military band played Ave Crux Alba, followed by the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang. Military wreath bearers then escorted the Ambassador and her hosts to the base of the monument, where Ambassador Banson placed the wreath offering at the center. This solemn moment was honored with a traditional 21-gun salute from officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
This momentous day marks a profound new chapter in the enduring 61-year diplomatic relationship between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Republic of the Philippines. Moving forward under H.E. Ambassador Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson’s leadership, the Embassy stands poised to deepen its collaborative efforts with the Philippine government, ensuring that the virtues of faith, dignity, and compassionate service remain at the forefront of their bilateral endeavors.
