As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, the Philippines commemorates 56 years of close diplomatic ties—built on shared values, economic collaboration, and people-to-people links.
Singapore — On the occasion of Singapore’s 60th National Day, the Philippine Embassy joins the celebration by highlighting the deep-rooted and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Singapore. This year also marks the 56th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, offering an opportunity to reflect on a partnership anchored in history, proximity, and shared regional aspirations.
Singapore is a trusted friend, an excellent and reliable partner of the Philippines. As neighbours, the Philippines and Singapore share common goals, vision and aspirations for a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous region. The Philippines-Singapore diplomatic ties were formally established on 16 May 1969, but our relations are deeply rooted in history. Our geographical, historical and people-to-people links make Singapore a natural partner of the Philippines.
The Philippines and Singapore share robust bilateral relations in the areas of trade and investment, defence, culture and people-to-people connectivity. Both countries are also pursuing other emerging areas of cooperation, such as in the green economy, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and health.
In 2024, a milestone year in our relations, the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Philippines-Singapore ties has seen numerous high-level exchanges of visits undertaken by our officials. Notable visits include the State Visit of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Philippines on 15-17 August 2024, the official visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 31 May 2024 to serve as keynote speaker in the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue, and the working visit of Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to the Philippines. The Philippines also hosted the 6th Informal Consultations on the Philippine-Singapore Action Plan, the foremost bilateral mechanism between our countries, in February 2024.
Most recently, on 4 June 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made his Introductory Visit to the Philippines, the first one he has taken after the General Election. During the visit, President Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Wong reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties and attain greater heights, and demonstrate the natural bond between the Philippines and Singapore. The historic and unforgettable jamming performance of Prime Minister Wong and President Marcos Jr. in the song “Wonderful Tonight,” at the State Banquet created a new bond of friendship and gave new meaning to diplomacy.
The Philippines and Singapore are strong partners in ASEAN, where we both serve as founding members. We look forward to the Philippines chairing ASEAN next year, followed by Singapore in 2027. This back-to-back leadership gives us a unique opportunity to work closely in keeping ASEAN relevant in the region and beyond. Our economic ties are wide-ranging and growing—from infrastructure and smart cities to fintech and education. The 4th Philippine-Singapore Business and Investment Summit in September 2024 opened doors to more quality investments, new business ventures, and stronger partnerships.
Filipino products are vibrantly represented in Singapore through widespread access to these, notably at major retailers like NTUC FairPrice and Lucky Plaza, as well as a growing presence of Filipino restaurants and food chains like Jollibee, Shakey’s, Potato Corner, Avocadoria, Andok’s Manok, JT’s Manukan and many others.
Tourism between our countries is also thriving. Singapore is the top ASEAN source of tourists to the Philippines, while Filipinos continue to explore and contribute to Singapore’s tourism industry, ranking as its 6th largest visitor market.
The Philippines looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with Singapore at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. We, at the Philippine Embassy, also look forward to our return to our redeveloped Philippine Chancery along Nassim Road, which is now nearing completion.
Together with the more than 200,000 Filipinos working and living in Singapore, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, led by Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig, extends its best wishes and congratulations to the Government and people of Singapore on their 60th National Day this 9 August 2025! Mabuhay! Majulah Singapura!
