15-8-2024 (MANILA) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to host Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam today, marking the commencement of a significant three-day diplomatic visit to the Philippines. This high-level engagement underscores the strengthening ties between the two Southeast Asian nations and promises to yield substantial discussions on bilateral cooperation.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has announced that President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will extend a warm welcome to President Tharman and his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam. The visit, the first by a Singaporean head of state to the Philippines in an official capacity since Halimah Yacob’s trip in 2019, is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in Philippine-Singaporean relations.
Central to the agenda are talks aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on energy and healthcare cooperation. A highlight of the visit will be the signing of a memorandum of understanding concerning the recruitment of Filipino healthcare workers and carbon credits, signalling a commitment to mutual economic and environmental interests.
The Singaporean leader’s itinerary includes a briefing by Philippine Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on the country’s sustainability plans for water and other natural resources. This session is expected to explore potential avenues for bilateral cooperation in environmental stewardship, as confirmed by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Tharman’s visit follows President Marcos’ trip to Singapore in May, during which an invitation was extended to both Tharman and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to visit the Philippines. This reciprocal visit underscores the importance both nations place on maintaining strong diplomatic ties.
The timing of this state visit is particularly poignant, as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore, which were formally established on 16 May 1969. Over the decades, these ties have evolved into a multifaceted partnership encompassing trade, cultural exchange, and labour cooperation.
Notably, Singapore is home to an estimated 200,000 Filipinos, with approximately 60% employed as professionals and skilled workers, while the remainder work in domestic service roles. This significant Filipino presence in Singapore highlights the deep-rooted people-to-people connections between the two countries.
