Her Excellency: A Legacy of Strength and Diplomacy

Ambassador Irene Susan Barreiro Natividad on leadership, legacy, and the Filipino spirit in Germany

We have crossed paths on many occasions, and anyone who has met her would instantly recognize the radiant smile of this charming lady, gracious, warm, and effortlessly welcoming to all. In the quiet strength of her voice and the clarity of her purpose, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan Barreiro Natividad embodies a legacy that extends far beyond diplomacy. As the sixth consecutive female ambassador to represent the Philippines in Berlin, her presence marks not only continuity, but confidence in the power of Filipina leadership on the global stage. 

“I am proud to carry on the legacy of the previous women ambassadors to Germany,” she reflects. “The five before me did a splendid job, and I hope I was able to build on what they started.” 

It is a simple statement, yet behind it lies more than three decades of foreign service, countless negotiations, and an unwavering commitment to her country and its people. 

Across her postings, from the United Nations to Canada and Austria, Ambassador Natividad has carried one guiding question in every engagement: “What good or benefit would this bring the country or Filipinos?” 

This principle, she says, is the compass she uses to navigate the complex world of international relations. 

Her experiences across multilateral and bilateral missions have taught her that successful diplomacy begins with recognizing shared values and interests. In the Philippine-German relationship, these include the rule of law, climate action, clean energy, and labor cooperation. 

“Identifying what a country considers important, studying their policy direction, tapping their expertise or support, and finding convergence with Philippine priorities, that is how you set a vision,” she explains. 

Championing the Filipino community 

Germany is home to a vibrant and rapidly growing Filipino community—young, skilled, global in perspective, and deeply connected to home. For Ambassador Natividad, supporting Filipinos means more than providing services. It means showing up. 

She has made it a point to be present at community events and to create spaces, both online and in person, where Filipinos can learn, connect, and grow. And I have seen her and appreciate the warmth of her presence. She has championed information sessions on Germany’s amended nationality law, Philippine dual citizenship, labor rights, and tax regulations. 

“Being informed, and not by fake news, is empowering,” she emphasizes. 

And when government policies risk affecting Filipinos abroad, the Embassy listens closely. 

“Feedback from the community is essential. If a policy has unintended impact, we relay this to Manila and recommend that it be revisited to reflect realities on the ground.” 

Even decades after leaving home, Filipinos abroad remain emotionally tied to the Philippines. From joy to heartbreak, Ambassador Natividad has witnessed how global Filipinos react personally to events back home. 

“Heartbreak during calamities. Indignation over corruption. Concern or embarrassment over political chaos. Or happiness and pride during shining moments. They feel it all.” 

It is this enduring connection, she believes, that makes the Filipino diaspora a powerful force in national development. 

Scholarships, skills training, livelihood programs, knowledge-sharing projects, Filipinos abroad have already been quietly transforming communities in the Philippines. And she has seen firsthand how Filipinos in Germany help spark opportunities, from research grants to science and innovation through the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program. 

Frankfurt Book Fair 2025: A defining moment 

If there is one moment she describes as “defining,” it is the Philippines’ Guest of Honor participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair, a cultural milestone that electrified Europe and elevated Philippine literature onto the world stage. 

“Hats off to the NBDB and NCCA for curating a rich program. The lineup of authors, genres, the exchange of ideas, it was exceptional,” she says with gratitude. “I am just lucky it happened during my tenure.” 

She believes this is only the beginning. With Europe’s high reading culture and vast publishing networks, she sees potential for Philippine book tours in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. 

“Nandito na sila sa Europe,” she says with a smile. “Might as well bring our writers to more audiences.” 

From concerts by award-winning choral groups to painting exhibits, tattooing lectures, book readings, and cultural showcases, Ambassador Natividad has ensured that Filipino culture remains visible and celebrated in Germany. 

The Embassy collaborates with the NCCA, FDCP, National Museum, German institutions, and Filipino community organizations to promote arts, cuisine, heritage, and creativity. Many Filipino artists, she notes, already have rich collaborations with their German counterparts and the Embassy is proud to support them. 

Looking ahead, she is excited about future collaborations in cybersecurity, digitization, and innovation fields where Germany’s expertise can significantly benefit the Philippines. 

After 32 years in service, Ambassador Natividad attributes her resilience not to personal strength alone, but to the people around her. 

“I survived because of the support of family, colleagues, bosses, and kasambahay,” she says simply. Grace, it seems, is her quiet superpower. 

To young Filipinos, especially young women who dream of joining the foreign service, her message is short, powerful, and unmistakably Filipino in spirit: “Go for it!” 

What makes Filipinos stand out on the world stage? 

“Our happy disposition, our work ethics, our creativity, and this attitude of hahanapan ng paraan,” she reflects. It is a spirit of joy, resilience, and ingenuity, one that has made the Filipino community in Germany not just visible, but admirable. 

And if she could describe this community in a single word? 

She laughs softly and says: “Germanized?” A term of endearment, one that speaks of adaptation, discipline, respect for rules, and efficiency… qualities that blend seamlessly with the warmth and heart of being Filipino. 

A heartfelt farewell 

As Ambassador Natividad concludes her term this December, she offers a deep expression of gratitude to the Filipino community and to the Government and people of Germany. 

Her hope is that the spirit of cooperation, solidarity, and friendship continues and grows stronger, under her successor, who will also be a woman. 

In her legacy, she leaves behind a strengthened bridge between two nations, empowered communities, and a testament to the excellence of Filipina leadership in global diplomacy. 

A legacy built not only on strategy but on compassion, clarity, and purpose.

Her Excellency Irene Susan Barreiro Natividad: A diplomat. A leader. A Filipina.