FiMuS Officers inducted at Irish Parliament in a milestone event

Mar 17, 2026 11:01 AM

In a powerful display of integration, cultural pride, and diplomatic friendship, the Filipino Multicultural Society (FiMuS) made history on March 5, 2026, as it returned to the hallowed chambers of Leinster House for its Officers’ Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony.

This landmark event was a profound statement of the Filipino community’s place within Irish democracy — a recognition that goes beyond presence, and speaks to belonging, contribution, and shared values.

In an unprecedented milestone, the ceremony was co-officiated by host Deputy Cormac Devlin TD and His Excellency Ambassador Daniel R. Espiritu, marking the first time the Philippines’ highest-ranking diplomat in Ireland has formally participated in a community induction ceremony at the seat of the Oireachtas — a moment that will be remembered in the history of Filipino-Irish relations

A promise kept at the heart of democracy

The government doors may be far away from many migrant communities. But Deputy Cormac Devlin TD has always endeavoured to fill that gap. Hosting of FiMuS second time gave a reassurance of permanent belonging by Deputy Devlin.

A steadfast friend of the Filipino community, Deputy Devlin brought both authority and warmth to the occasion. Alongside Hilda Arenas, Founding President of FiMuS, he oversaw the ceremony with grace and distinction. His presence sent a clear and resounding message — that the Filipino community is no longer a guest in Ireland, but an essential, celebrated, and deeply rooted part of this nation.

A diplomatic milestone for the ambassador

The presence of Ambassador Daniel R. Espiritu added a profound and historic dimension to the evening. Accompanied by Cultural Attaché Ms. Maricel Vallesfin, the Ambassador’s attendance was nothing short of a milestone — a moment that will be spoken of for years to come.

Invited personally by Founding President Hilda Arenas, the Ambassador came to be among his people. In his address, he reminded the room that multiculturalism is woven into the very DNA of the Filipino people — a nation of more than 7,000 islands that has always known how to build bridges across differences. He warmly commended FiMuS for bringing this same spirit to Ireland, recognising the organisation not merely as a community group, but as a force for unity that reaches across all cultures and brings people together.

Recognised from the floor of the Dáil

The day reached its most historic and emotionally profound moment when Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy — the Speaker of Dáil Éireann — acknowledged the presence of the FiMuS delegation and welcomed them from the floor of Dáil Éireann during a live sitting.

For a community that has spent decades building a home in Ireland — through hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering love for this country — to be acknowledged and welcomed from the highest chair in Irish democracy was nothing short of extraordinary. It was an honour beyond words to be called and welcomed to the national parliament as the guests of Deputy Devlin.

And in that moment, the words spoken from the floor of Dáil Éireann carried the weight of official affirmation — a message to every Filipino man, woman, and child in Ireland:

“You are seen. And you belong here.”

After the official meeting, the participants received a guided tour of the historical building and strolled through its corridors, gracefully tracing the corridors of Irish democracy.

A vision for the future

For Hilda Arenas, the day was a fulfilment of her dream to see the Filipino community “recognised”.

“We were honoured on two fronts,” Arenas remarked. “By the country we call home, and by the country we will always carry in our hearts. Today was proof that those two things are not in conflict; they are, and have always been, one.”