A delegation of Philippine local government officials, including a Vice Governor and Mayors, participated in a Foreign Study Mission on Smart and Sustainable Cities in Singapore, hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines in partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
SINGAPORE, 12 November 2024 — Over 40 local government officials from the Philippines, including Vice Governor Reynaldo Quimpo and Mayors from the provinces of Aklan and Antique, as well as staff members from the Philippine Senate, are currently in Singapore to participate in the Foreign Study Mission on Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities. Running from 12 to 15 November, the mission is organised by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore, as part of the Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Executives (AGILE) initiative.
This study mission, designed to advance sustainable development and enhance adaptive governance among Philippine local government leaders, underscores the joint commitment of the Philippines and Singapore to empower local officials with innovative strategies in urban planning and sustainable city management.
Led by Vice Governor Reynaldo Quimpo of Aklan and the National Chairperson of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), the delegation paid a courtesy call on Chargé d’Affaires Emmanuel R. Fernandez at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. During the meeting, CDA Fernandez expressed the Embassy’s support for initiatives that promote sustainable growth in Philippine communities and highlighted the alignment between the study mission’s objectives and the Embassy’s priorities for resilient, inclusive development.
Director Alvin P. Principe of DAP’s Center for Governance – Operations Management Office introduced the participants, to a group representing diverse regions and committed to exploring Singapore’s advanced approaches to governance and urban innovation. Director Principe outlined the mission’s objectives, emphasising the support of Senator Loren Legarda, an advocate for sustainable local governance in the Philippines. Vice Governor Quimpo shared his gratitude on behalf of the delegation, expressing hope for implementing the valuable insights gained from the mission.
The visit included a Q&A session with Embassy officials, where participants engaged in discussions on Embassy functions, bilateral relations, and the welfare of Filipinos residing in Singapore. Concluding the session, Vice Governor Quimpo presented a token of appreciation to CDA Fernandez, followed by a group photograph and light refreshments.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
