Event highlighted longstanding Singapore–Philippines ties, ASEAN cooperation, and the contributions of the Filipino community in Singapore
Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan attended the 128th Philippine Independence Day Commemoration reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. He was joined by Members of Parliament Vikram Nair and Yip Hon Weng at the event, which celebrated the anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and the enduring friendship between Singapore and the Philippines.
The reception brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, community leaders, and guests to commemorate the historic occasion and recognise the strong bilateral relationship between the two Southeast Asian nations. The event also showcased the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage through music and cultural presentations.
Source: Facebook/Vivian Balakrishnan
Dr. Balakrishnan highlighted the longstanding friendship between Singapore and the Philippines, noting that the two countries have built a partnership founded on decades of cooperation and mutual support. He observed that bilateral relations have continued to strengthen over the past 57 years, both through direct engagement and within the framework of ASEAN.
Dr. Balakrishnan also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Filipino community in Singapore, describing them as a valued part of Singaporean society. He paid tribute to the dedication of Filipino healthcare professionals and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that their service reflected the close ties and solidarity shared between the two countries during challenging times.
On regional cooperation, Dr. Balakrishnan recognised the Philippines’ leadership role as ASEAN Chair, noting that it had provided steady guidance amid a complex regional and global environment. He stated that Singapore would continue to support the Philippine Chair in advancing ASEAN cooperation and strengthening the organisation’s collective voice on key issues affecting the region.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
