Press Release
PR No. RAR-07-2025

Filipino Pilgrims Arrive in Madinah for Hajj 2025

Ambassador Raymond Balatbat with Consul General Rommel Romato, Assistant Director Lemuel Lopez, OIC Omar Mandia, and representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the MCDC Hajj Service Provider while waiting at the receiving line before the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims

Madinah, Saudi Arabia, 20 May 2025 — The first group of 376 Filipino pilgrims arrived in Madinah yesterday aboard Saudia flight 861, officially commencing their sacred journey for Hajj 2025. Their arrival was met with a warm welcome at the airport, led by Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raymond Balatbat, Consul General Rommel Romato from the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Hajj Attaché OIC Omar Mandia, Assistant Director Lemuel Lopez of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Migrant Affairs, as well as representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, MCDC Hajj service provider, and the NCMF Hajj supervisory team.

Ambassador Raymond Balatbat with representatives from the MCDC handing out flowers and Ajwa dates to arriving pilgrims

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were greeted with fragrant roses and  Ajwa dates, traditional symbols of Saudi hospitality and blessings. The DFA Hajj teams also distributed refreshments, ensuring the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims after their journey.

Consul General Rommel Romato shares a heartfelt embrace with a Filipino pilgrim during the welcome ceremonies

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were greeted with fragrant roses and  Ajwa dates, traditional symbols of Saudi hospitality and blessings. The DFA Hajj teams also distributed refreshments, ensuring the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims after their journey. END