A delegation from the Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Ambassador Myla Grace Ragenia C. Macahilig on 17 September 2026 at the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, as the delegation attended the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Expo.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Philippine defence officials to discuss the evolving bilateral relationship between the Philippines and South Africa, with defence cooperation identified as an area with potential for expanded institutional engagement.
Philippine Delegation Attends AAD 2026
The Philippine delegation was in Pretoria for AAD 2026, which is being held from 16 to 20 September 2026.
The delegation comprises:
- Assistant Secretary Katherine B. Lingan, Office for Policy Management;
- Major Norven Rey O. Belano, Military Assistant, Office for Policy Management; and
- Ms Christine Marie D. Quanico, Logistics Management Officer, Office for Logistics and Acquisition.
AAD is an important platform for engagement among governments, defence institutions, aerospace and defence companies, and other stakeholders from Africa and around the world.
Ambassador Highlights Bilateral Relations
During the courtesy call, Ambassador Macahilig briefed the delegation on the Philippine Embassy’s operational jurisdiction across Southern Africa.
She also highlighted the evolving Philippines-South Africa bilateral relationship, emphasising defence cooperation as an avenue through which institutional ties between the two countries could be further developed.
The engagement comes as officials from both countries participate in the AAD 2026 programme in Pretoria, creating opportunities for interaction and discussions around defence and security cooperation.
Philippines Sees Opportunities for Broader Defence Engagement
Assistant Secretary Lingan expressed optimism that the delegation’s engagement with South Africa’s Ministry of Defence during AAD 2026 would contribute to broader cooperation between the two countries in the defence and security fields.
The discussions point to the potential for continued institutional engagement between the Philippines and South Africa, particularly in areas of mutual interest within the defence and security environment.
Embassy Officials Join the Engagement
Ambassador Macahilig was joined during the courtesy call by Vice Consul Ana Angela C. Cabillan and Attaché Nina Angelica Arquiza.
The participation of Embassy officials further supported the engagement between the Philippine delegation and the diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
Strengthening Philippines-South Africa Relations
The courtesy call forms part of ongoing diplomatic and institutional engagements between the Philippines and South Africa.
With the Philippine delegation participating in AAD 2026, the expo provides a setting for government and industry stakeholders to engage on issues relating to aerospace, defence and security.
The Philippine Embassy’s engagement with the DND delegation also underscores the role of diplomatic missions in facilitating institutional relationships and identifying areas for strengthened bilateral cooperation.
