His Excellency Enrico T. Fos

Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway & Iceland 

"Honour, Competence & Commitment to Serve" 

Roots & Wings Magazine is honoured and proud to feature in this first quarter issue, the highly respected, admired, and awarded His Excellency ENRICO T FOS, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines, to the Kingdom of Norway, and the Republic of Iceland. 

Now in his fifth year in current post, Ambassador Fos' tenure is marked by his deep engagement with matters and issues on relations among the countries. Both in government and person-to-person levels, His Excellency represents the Philippines with pride, joy, and most sincere service to the country and the Filipino people wherever he may be. 

Anyone who meets the Ambassador would be impressed and feel at home with the most friendly, humble, approachable, energetic and top Filipino diplomat to come to Norway and Iceland. His Excellency has travelled the length and breadth of the two countries, on diplomatic and official levels, and also on a personal level, meeting Filipinos from all walks of life, listening to their stories, dreams, hopes and aspirations. The Ambassador reaches out to each and every one. He has introduced and initiated measures and projects aimed for the betterment and improvement of the Filipino people and the Philippines. 

Rendering service far and beyond the normal calls of duty, Ambassador Fos has received the highest honours and accolades from three Philippine Presidents — in recognition and acknowledgement of his exemplary and extraordinary services to the country and Filipino people. The Ambassador obtained his Bachelors and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines, Dilliman. He is a diplomat, lawyer, and public servant for almost three decades with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

He has served as First Secretary, and later on, as Minister at the Philippine Permanent Mission in Geneva, Switzerland, 2012, and from 2015 concurrently, as Consul General at the Philippine Consulate in Geneva. He also served as Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA, from 2002 to 2008. 

His Excellency is married to Madam Myla Antonette F. Fos, they have a son, Enrico Antonio F. Fos, Jr., 24, currently completing his studies at the BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo.

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RW. Please tell us about the start of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Norway? With Iceland?

Formal diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Norway commenced on 2 March 1948 (78 years) while that with Iceland was on 24 February 1999 (27 years). However, the people-to-people relationship with Norway began much earlier, at around the turn of the 20th century, when Norwegian seafarers were among the crew of Dutch merchant vessels calling port in Manila for trade.

I formally started my tour of duty as Ambassador of the Philippines to the Kingdom of

Norway on 2 December 2021 upon my presentation to and acceptance of my credentials by King Harald V.  For Iceland, I formally started my tour of duty on 27 April 2022, upon my presentation of credentials to then Iceland President Gudni Th. Johannesson.

RW. Why and when did you decide to become a Diplomat?

I was a reluctant diplomat, actually. I was already a young lawyer in 1995 when I took the Foreign Service Officers (FSO) examination upon the invitation of a former law school classmate who joined the foreign service a year ago. After three stages—rigorous written examinations, individual, group and panel interviews, and formal dinner--I was among the 38 from around 4,000 applicants who made it. 

I was then working as one of the lawyers at the University of the Philippines-Office of Legal Services (UP-OLS) when I took and passed the FSO exams. So instead of immediately accepting my appointment by taking oath and starting my diplomatic career, I continued to work for the UP-OLS for a year, until my late mother convinced me to go for and try the diplomatic service. She then said: "You're already a lawyer. Just go and try working in the diplomatic service. If you don't like it, get out and go back to law practice”.

Almost 30 years since 1997 when I joined the foreign service, I'm still here. I have reached the pinnacle of my career in the diplomatic service — obtained the highest possible rank (Chief of Mission, Class 1) and assignment (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, for a career Foreign Service Officer. Since then, I have been recognized for my diplomatic work by three successive Philippine Presidents: a Presidential Citation in 2010 by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Gawad Mabini with rank of Commander by then President Benigno Aquino III in 2013, and another Gawad Mabini with rank of Grand Cross by then President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021. 

The Gawad Mabini, named after the first Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary, Apolinario Mabini, is an order of merit conferred to diplomats by the President of the Philippines for distinguished service and exemplary performance in promoting national interest, including assisting overseas Filipino workers

Honor, competence, and commitment to serve...

RW. Highlights in your career, so far? Proudest moments?

Honor, competence, and commitment to serve, are my personal yardsticks through the years in my diplomatic career.

However, there are four things that I think stood out.  First, leading the repatriation efforts of Filipinos in distress abroad during the COVID 19 pandemic. Despite the lockdown, our team, the team I led at the DFA migrant workers affairs office, was able to successfully repatriate more than 500,000 Filipinos from all over the world, facilitated the provision of quarantine facilities for them and brought them home to their home provinces. We were also able to help establish and implement the “green lane” that allowed crew changes for maritime vessels easing the disruption of maritime traffic and ensuring continuing flow of goods and merchandise worldwide (note that a third of the world’s seafarers are Filipino seafarers). For this work both on operations and diplomacy during the pandemic, I was given the Gawad Mabini Award with the rank of Grand Cross.

Second, earlier in my career, I took a leadership role in getting out of harm's way Filipinos who were working in the Middle East and North Africa area during the Arab Spring crisis, the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear plant meltdown in Japan, and Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand, all in 2011. For the work I have done in these crises, I was given the Gawad Award in 2013.

Third, as one of the lead negotiators for the Philippines, I helped craft the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), which is now the global standard for managing international migration. I am most particularly proud of the inclusion of the labor mobility provision in the GCM, which has become the basis for reforms in Middle East countries which practices the very restrictive kafala system. Prior to this, I was one of the experts from five countries (United States, Australia, Switzerland, Bangladesh and the Philippines) that formulated the Migrant in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) guidelines of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The MICIC is a handbook of principles and proven in the field practical guide in getting migrants out of harm's way in countries experiencing crisis.

Fourth.  A series of major achievements reached while assigned as Ambassador to Norway and Iceland is latest highlight of my diplomatic career

As Ambassador to Norway, I helped secure Norway’s full support for the Philippines’ on the Issue of the West Philippine Sea.  For the first time, Norway explicitly declared during the Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Reception in June 2024 in Oslo, Norway that it is supporting the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s expansive claim in the South China Sea. Since then Norway has been issuing statements in support of the Philippines with regard to the South China issue.  In 2025, a Norwegian Navy frigate joined a UK-led naval task group that sailed through the Indo Pacific and South China sea asserting freedom of navigation in the South China sea. 

I also facilitated the recognition of Filipino nurses to be able to work as authorized nurses in Norway through agreements with the Norwegian government and; educational institutions by giving them the opportunity to complete the education and; skills required in their workplace.

For the Filipino seafarers, I facilitated negotiations that led to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA)  concerning the recognition of STCW certificates in 2024. This MOU further enabled the entry of more Filipino seafarers to Norwegian-owned or flagged vessels. The then Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) Director General estimates that with the implementation of the MOA, an additional 25 thousand more Filipino Seafarers will be employed in Norwegian-flagged vessels. Last year, about four thousand Filipino seafarers boarded Norwegian owned and controlled vessels.

In consular service, I implemented the cashless payment system for consular transactions in my first year as Ambassador. I also implemented the no appointment policy which allowed consular clients to avail of consular services without the need for prior appointment. These improvements were highly appreciated and applauded by the public.

We have improved the frontline services of the Embassy and made it more welcoming to clients. First, we designed the consular section as a cozy place with not just stackable chairs but also with comfortable armchairs. And second, you enter the consular section passing through a corridor with a display of cultural materials making you feel that you are in the Philippines. 

We also have organized more mobile consular services - at least thrice a year in Norway and one mobile consular outreach service annually in Iceland.

On promotion of Philippine culture, I  also showcased Philippine culture with a big bang. In 2023, the Embassy celebrated the 75th Philippines-Norway Diplomatic Relations & the Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Reception at the Oslo City Hall.  It was the first time a diplomatic mission in Norway was allowed to celebrate an event in that prestigious venue. The event was also graced not only by diplomats and high government officials but also by the Mayor of Oslo bringing much prestige and pride for the Filipinos. 

We have also successfully introduced the Philippine traditional fibers in Norway and Iceland, that even Norway's candidate to the Miss Universe pageant last year donned an outfit made of Philippine traditional fabrics, as created by an Oslo-based Filipina fashion designer. It showcased the Philippine traditional fabric not only in Norway but to the entire world.

As a hands-on Ambassador and in the course of my tour of duty as Ambassador, I have met not only with the Filipino communities around Norway but with their respective Mayors to discuss common interests in integration, employment, and  other economic opportunities.

I spearheaded the formation of  a platform for inter-church collaboration through the "PaskongPinoy", the festival of Filipino choirs from Christian churches frequented by Filipinos. The annual Paskong Pinoy Concert in Norway, is collaboration of various Christian church choirs in Norway with participants coming from different parts of Norway. It also served as a platform for dialogue among Christian churches in Norway.

Since its initial iteration in 2022, the Paskong Pinoy has become an Embassy signature event during the Christmas Season attracting a 900-1000 plus crowd every year.

RW. How are the relations between the Philippines and Norway? With Iceland?

The bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway and Iceland have been strengthened over the years.

For Norway, we have deepened our maritime cooperation with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Recognition of Training and Certification of Seafarers under the Terms of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended which was signed on 13 May 2024 between the Philippines` Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). This MOA will be enhanced by a follow-on agreement by MARINA and NMA on data sharing and systems integration, expected to be signed in April 2026.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Norwegian Police are also set to sign

a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in April 2026. This will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against sexual predators of children.

And of course the public declaration of support for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea by Norway has further strengthened the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway.

For Iceland, on 18 June 2024, the Philippines and Iceland entered into a MOU on establishment of bilateral consultation mechanism and had its inaugural meeting in September 2024. This is the first bilateral agreement between the two countries after 26 years of diplomatic relations. This mechanism calls for a regular meeting every two years and allows bilateral discussions on matters and concerns between the two countries.

Moreover, the Philippines and Iceland are set to negotiate and conclude an Air Service Agreement in May 2026. This would open an air route between the PH and Iceland, initially on code sharing arrangement and may eventually lead to direct flights between Manila and Reykjavik.

Two way investments and trade while remaining modest, also grew in the last few years. These investments are in the renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. More consumer goods have entered into each other's markets.

Tourism traffic from Norway to the Philippines has increased to 22,000 arrivals in 2024 and is expected to grow in the years to come.

RW. What are the numbers of Filipinos in Norway? In Iceland?

There is a large Filipino diaspora both in Norway and Iceland.  As of the end of last year, the official number of Filipinos residing in Iceland is 2,822 people, largely women (1,854 women and 967 men), and most (at 80% or 2, 279) at working age (between ages 20 to 59 years old). Filipinos comprise around 8 percent of the total population of Iceland. Filipinos is now one of the largest migrant community and comprise around 8 percent  of the population of Iceland

Similarly, in Norway there are 34,994 Filipinos (8,342 men; 26,652 women). In addition, the Norwegian Shipowners Association estimates there are now about 29,000 Filipino seafarers employed in Norwegian owned, controlled or flagged vessels. Most of the Filipinos in Norway are employed, with a large number in the healthcare sector, engineering and IT, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The Filipino diaspora in both Norway and Iceland have been reinvigorated. An increasing number of Filipino-Norwegian organizations established in their respective communities all over the country organized socio-cultural and religious events showcasing Philippine culture through dances, music and artwork.

I would like to believe that this is partly inspired by the active engagement of the Embassy with the Filipino community, reaching out not only in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Tromsø,  but even those small and lesser known municipalities like Rjukan, Stord, Bømlo, Fitjar, Råde, Moss, Kongsvinger, Nesodden, Nittedal, Tjøme, Farsund, Odda, Voss, Heddal, Kirkenes, Vardø, Vadsø, Narvik, Bodø, and Harstad.

In 2025, the Filipino community in Norway through the various organizations, in cooperation with the Embassy, organized and mounted 17 well attended Philippine Independence Day (PID) events, from late May to late July. This is not only unprecedented in terms of the number of activities--from two activities in 2022 when I started organizing/helping organize PID events to 17 events; from just a participant in a multinational cultural event to 17 stand alone PID themed socio-cultural events — in three years.

More importantly, the reinvigorated Filipino community events have painted a very positive image - an image of unity, organization, self-help, and affirmative contribution to Norwegian society - for the Filipino community in Norway.

RW. What are the available opportunities for Filipinos in both countries?

In terms of employment, the health care, IT and the oil and gas sectors are still the areas where the Filipino migrants could find employment.

RW. Can you tell us about the trade between the countries, approximate volume, and what products are interesting? How are the investment and tourism areas?

My tour of duty is ending next year. Looking back, I think I have made a lot of progress in forging stronger relations between the Philippines and Norway and Iceland.

We have had key bilateral agreements as enumerated above which were forged during my tenure.

We have engaged not only the national government but also numerous local governments. Of particular note is the fact that I always bring with me the local Filipino organization whenever I engage with local government officials - to introduce our community and to offer the Filipino community assistance in the spirit of bayanihan or dugnad for kommune  activities - which has resulted in continuing interaction between the local Filipino community and the cities and municipalities.

We organized several cultural activities showcasing both Philippine-based and Norway and Iceland-based Filipino artists. We have successfully introduced the Philippine traditional fibers in both Norway and Iceland.

We have organized a platform for inter-faith collaboration through the "PaskongPinoy", the festival of Filipino choirs from Christian churches frequented by Filipinos. We have vastly improved the frontline services of the Embassy and made it more welcoming to clients which were highly appreciated by  Filipino community and other consular clients of the embassy.

RW. You have done a lot during your term of office. What more do you want to achieve during your Ambassadorship?

We are still working on more key bilateral agreements with Norway on labor, portability of social security benefits and security; and with Iceland on avoidance of taxation and labor migration.

RW . Thank you very much Your Excellency, for sharing your most valuable time and insights to RaW Mags readers. In closing, can you share a special message to the Euro-Pinoys, or Filipinos in general?

I encourage Filipinos in Europe to continue to be competent, trustworthy and patriotic and contribute positively to our host communities in Europe.

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Note: The Philippine Embassy in Norway is centrally located at Nedre Vollgate 8, 4th Floor, 0158 Oslo, close to Parliament and main government offices.

Tel line. 00 47 22400000

Website: oslope.dfa.gov.ph

Opening Hours: Mon to Friday, 09.00 to 14.00, Sat Close