The United Kingdom’s new ambassador to the Philippines has introduced himself to the nation in quite passable Tagalog.
Like his predecessor Asif Ahmad, Daniel Pruce speaks basic Tagalog, having studied the language since 2016.
“Malaking karangalan para sa akin na maging susunod na British ambassador sa Pilipinas,” Pruce said in a Twitter video posted early this morning (Thursday, June 1). (It is a great honour for me to become the next British ambassador to the Philippines.)
Mr Pruce said he will start his new job, which also includes being a non-resident ambassador to Palau, in August.
Before his appointment to the Philippines, Mr Pruce was the deputy head of mission in Madrid and Bangkok and served as the UK’s permanent representative to the European Union.
He is married to Rachael Elizabeth Morgan.
“Ikinagagalak ko na may pagkakataon ako na mapalakas pa ang ating magandang relasyon,” Pruce said in the 38-second clip. (I am glad that I have the opportunity to strengthen our good relations.)
“Masaya akong nag-aaral ng napakagandang wikang Tagalog, at ginagawa ko ang lahat ng abot kaya ko para matutunan ito,” the incoming ambassador added. (I am happy to study the very beautiful Tagalog language, and I am doing all that I can to learn it.)
Pruce’s predecessor, Mr Ahmad, has been British ambassador to the Philippines since 2013. During this time, trade between the UK and the Philippines has grown significantly.
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