Philippines Singapore Pledge Deep Cooperation Strengthens Ties
The Philippines and Singapore have committed to deepening their cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, healthcare, and digital transformation. This marks a new chapter in their bilateral partnership as Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made his first official visit to Manila on June 4. The pledge to enhance collaboration reflects both nations’ shared resolve to pursue sustainable development and regional stability.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Wong jointly announced their commitments during a press briefing at Malacañan Palace. They also highlighted their mutual interest in strengthening the unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promoting peace and stability across the region. “We had detailed discussions on priority areas of bilateral cooperation that yield tangible benefits for the Philippines and Singapore, both immediate and in the longer term,” President Marcos said.
Renewable Energy and Climate Action Initiatives
Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to expanding cooperation in renewable energy. They aim to finalize a legally binding pact under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement to facilitate carbon credit trading. President Marcos encouraged increased Singaporean investments in the renewable energy sector, calling it a vital part of their forward-looking bilateral agenda.
Prime Minister Wong shared that Singaporean companies are actively exploring solar and wind energy projects in the Philippines. He noted, “Such projects can generate economic opportunities for the Philippines while supporting the Philippines’ renewable energy targets.” This cooperation is expected to boost local employment while advancing the country’s clean energy goals.
The two leaders also agreed to accelerate the development of the ASEAN Power Grid. They described this initiative as essential to enhancing regional energy resilience and supporting the green transition in Southeast Asia.
Digital Governance and Public Service Modernization
President Marcos expressed gratitude to Singapore for co-developing the Digital Leadership Program alongside the Civil Service Commission and the National University of Singapore. This program aims to modernize governance by upskilling civil servants and accelerating digital transformation across the Philippine government.
Prime Minister Wong emphasized that Singapore’s support reflects its commitment to the Philippines’ capacity-building efforts, especially in digitalization and public sector reform. “Through the digital leadership program… we aim to accelerate digital leadership and transformation across the civil service,” Marcos stated.
Healthcare Partnership and Support for Filipino Workers
In their talks, both leaders also focused on expanding health cooperation. They are working toward a new bilateral agreement that will enhance healthcare training and pandemic preparedness.
Prime Minister Wong acknowledged the vital contributions of approximately 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Singapore, particularly frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis. “Singapore is committed to being a good second home for the Filipinos living and working in our country,” he said.
He added that Singapore’s Ministry of Health is exploring ways to upskill Filipino healthcare professionals and support their eventual reintegration into the Philippine healthcare system. Both health ministries are exploring broader collaboration to deepen mutual interests in the healthcare sector.
Trade, Investment, and ASEAN Leadership Cooperation
The leaders welcomed growing business ties between their countries. President Marcos expressed hope the Philippines would continue to be an important destination for Singaporean investments. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wong noted Singapore remains one of the Philippines’ top investors and is keen to expand collaboration in emerging fields like the green economy and sustainability.
As founding ASEAN members, the Philippines and Singapore pledged to work closely to ensure the success of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, followed by Singapore’s in 2027. “We will coordinate closely because Singapore takes over from the Philippines,” Wong said. “We will work shoulder to shoulder, side by side.”
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and maintaining stability in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea. “The Philippines will continue to be a committed advocate of the rules-based international order, one grounded on international law, in equity, and on justice,” he stated.
Environmental Conservation and Disaster Assistance
President Marcos also thanked Singapore for its ongoing support in preserving endangered Philippine species, including the Philippine Eagle, through international conservation programs. He expressed appreciation for Singapore’s swift deployment of air assets during Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in October 2024, which aided relief efforts in remote areas.
“Singapore remains one of our country’s most important investors. But beyond that, it is also a reliable partner in times of need,” Marcos said.
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