PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday agreed to collaborate more and expand cooperation in various fields of interest, especially on renewable energy and addressing climate change, boosting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and ensuring security and stability in the region.
The President, during a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting in Malacanang, said he also expressed during their talk “how the Philippines will continue to be a committed advocate [for] the rules-based international order, one grounded on international law, in equity, and on justice” to achieve peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
Marcos said they also had detailed discussions on priority areas of bilateral cooperation that yield tangible benefits for both the Philippines and Singapore, both immediate and in the longer term, such as more collaboration on climate change mitigation programs and renewable energy investments.
He said the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on a carbon credits mechanism in line with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement by commencing negotiations on an implementing arrangement and “it hoped that the early completion of the negotiations will result in climate-friendly actions and increased investments in related sectors” which would create more meaningful and sustainable livelihood and business opportunities for both Filipinos and Singaporeans alike.
The President said they also agreed to continue to promote collaboration and innovation, facilitate training and exchanges between health experts and look forward to the conclusion of a bilateral agreement with Singapore on health cooperation.
Marcos said the countries also aimed to accelerate digital leadership and transformation across the civil service through the Digital Leadership Program between our Civil Service Commission and the National University of Singapore.
He also thanked Singapore for helping ensure the survival and propagation of some of the Philippines’ endemic and endangered species, most notably the Philippine Eagle, and its commitment to ensuring the welfare, security, and safety of the 200,000, more or less, Filipinos residing in Singapore.
Wong acknowledged the contributions of Filipinos in Singapore and vowed to assist them in upskilling and training to better reintegrate the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Philippines once they have completed their work contracts in Singapore and have returned to the country.
This visit by Wong marks his first official trip to the Philippines,
The last time a Singaporean Prime Minister visited the Philippines was in 2017.
