Embassy shares key updates, community events, and cultural plans ahead of its move to new Chancery premises.
SINGAPORE — The Philippine Embassy in Singapore held its third quarter Ugnayan: Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, bringing together over 70 Filipino community leaders and representatives for a of briefing and dialogue on developments relevant to Filipinos living in Singapore.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig thanked the Filipino community for their continued engagement and support for Embassy and Filipino Community (FilCom)-led activities. He provided updates on national developments, including the appointment of the new Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, while encouraging Filipinos to stay informed and engaged with national and regional issues even while abroad.
Second Secretary and Consul Joy Anne B. Lai informed attendees about temporary changes to the Embassy’s operating schedule this September, as it prepares to relocate to its new premises at Nassim Road. She also shared updates on the upcoming launch of the Philippine e-Visa system, the new official Facebook page of the DFA Office of Consular Affairs, and gave attendees a preview of the new Chancery building, set to open later this year.
Labor Attaché Haney Lynn G. Siclot from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Singapore announced the MWO’s new official email address and discussed updates on verification fees for employment documents. OWWA Welfare Officer Florencio “Jay” D. Teves III and SSS representative Joy Anne E. Cabading also shared the latest on membership assistance, welfare programmes, and benefits available to overseas Filipinos.
Second Secretary and Consul Renee Gayle M. Chua highlighted recent cultural and community initiatives, including activities marking Philippine Culture Consciousness Week and Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, and outlined a series of upcoming events such as exhibitions, concerts, and collaborations with Filipino community partners. She also encouraged participation in the Embassy’s new FilCom Newsletter as a platform for sharing community news and initiatives.
Community leaders also took the stage to share plans for forthcoming events, including the Fiesta ng Pamilyang Pilipino on 17 August, the SB19 Concert on 24 August, the Bayanihan Walk organised by the Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore on 5 October, and Habi 2025: Cultural Weaving Traditions through Fashion Show hosted by FLAG on 11 October.
The Ugnayan continues to serve as an inclusive forum for community dialogue, cultural promotion, and collaboration among Filipinos in Singapore. This quarter’s gathering was the last to be held at the Embassy’s temporary office at TripleOne 111 Somerset as preparations continue for its return to the permanent Chancery at 20 Nassim Road.
Source: The Embassy of The Philippines, Singapore
