As Singapore commemorated its 59th National Day, the milestone also marked 55 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. The celebration, although delayed to September due to scheduling conflicts, was an opportune moment to reflect on the enduring partnership between the two nations. Ambassador Constance See’s speech underscored the significance of this bilateral relationship, built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and shared values.
THE TOAST: DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Ambassador of the Embassy of Singapore H.E. See Sin Yuan Angelita Constance, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown III
Over the years, the relationship has blossomed, reflected in the deepening cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, defense, security, education, science, and culture. High-level exchanges have been key to nurturing these ties. Singapore hosted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State Visit in May 2024, where he delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
President and CEO of A. Magsaysay, Inc Doris Magsaysay Ho, Ambassador of the Embassy of Hungary H.E. Dr. Titanilla Tóth, lAnna and Chito Sobrepeña, and Makati Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay-Campos
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's State Visit to the Philippines in August 2024 was warmly received by President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. Ambassador See shared, “I was told that three weeks later, President Tharman continues to speak warmly of his visit here, which must have left a deep impression. I should also add that President Tharman enjoyed tremendously the kamayan feast/boodle fight we prepared for him. It was a delicious and truly authentic Filipino experience.”
VIPs from the Philippine government, business and friends of the Embassy packed the ballroom of the venue
Ambassador See said, “During this visit, we witnessed the exchange of several key MOUs, which will pave the way for new dimensions in our collaboration. The agreement on carbon credits collaboration is a clear reflection of our shared commitment to addressing the global climate crisis, while the MOU on healthcare workers underscores our mutual recognition of the importance of enhancing skills and opportunities for our peoples in critical sectors.”
Left: Ambassador Constance See Sin Yuan and BCDA Chairman Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana; right: Ambassador Constance See Sin Yuan with Pasay City Mayor Imelda "Emi" Calixto-Rubiano and her spouse, Egay Rubiano
Left: Anna and Chito Sobrepeña with Philippine Star’s Marichu Villanueva; rifht: DOTR Secretary Jaime J. Bautista with the Ambassador of the Embassy of Brunei H.E. Megawati Manan
She concluded her speech by saying, “Next year, Singapore will celebrate 60 years of nationhood. Not bad for an improbable nation. As we approach this significant milestone, I am filled with optimism and confidence, buoyed by the knowledge that we have steadfast friends like the Philippines by our side. Together, we will continue to build a future that is prosperous, secure, and inclusive for all.”
First Secretary Oumaima Smaili of the Embassy of Morocco with the Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia H.E. Agus Widjojo, Embassy of Malaysia Counselor Nadhirah Zanudin, Mme. Ranny Moerni Cahyani and Ambassador of the Embassy of Thailand H.E. Tull Traisorat(Left image) The Manila Times’ Glenn Gale with Mme. Indri Puspitasari Akyol, and Amb. Niyazi Evren Akyol of the Embassy of Turkiye. (Right photo) Deputy Head of Mission Fadzillayi Annuar of the Embassy of Brunei with Counsellor Maiko Tamura of the Embassy of Japan (Left image) Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, Hans T. Sy, with Ambassador of the Embassy of China, H.E. Huang Xilian. (Right image) Ambassador of the Embassy of the United Kingdom, H.E. Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils. (Left image) Ambassador of the Embassy of Argentina, H.E. Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, with Consul of Guatemala, Mellie Ablaza. (Right image) Ambassador of the Embassy of Switzerland, H.E. Nicolas Brühl, with Ambassador of the Embassy of Belgium, H.E. Michel Monique M. Parys; DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro; and Ambassador of the Embassy of Romania, H.E. Răduța-Dana MatachePhoto by the Ambassador of the US Embassy H.E. Mary Kay Loss Carlson with FEU’s Senior Director for the Arts Martin Lopez and Manila Bulletin’s Badette M. Cunanan
