President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and newly reappointed Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday bolstered the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Singapore, pledging to expand cooperation in key areas such as renewable energy, digital governance, and regional security
In a joint statement delivered at Malacañan Palace during Wong’s official visit to the Philippines, the President welcomed the prime minister and praised the “thriving” 56-year relationship between the two nations.
“I am honored that the Prime Minister chose the Philippines as your first bilateral visit… The bilateral relations between the Pearl of the Orient and the Lion City have not only endured but have thrived,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President highlighted ongoing initiatives between the two countries, such as the recently launched Digital Leadership Program, which aims to train thousands of Filipino civil servants in digital competencies. He also expressed optimism about future cooperation in health, disaster relief, environmental protection, and people-to-people exchanges.
For his part, Wong thanked Marcos for the warm welcome and emphasized Singapore’s confidence in the Philippine economy, noting that the former remains one of the largest foreign investors in the latter.
“Singapore businesses are confident in the dynamism and the potential of the Philippine economy,” Wong said.
“Likewise, Philippine companies have also steadily grown their presence in Singapore. We are keen to explore new areas like the green economy and sustainability,” he added.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to ASEAN, regional stability, and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which sets goals for a more resilient, people-centered Southeast Asia.
“Amidst this changing and more challenging geopolitical environment, it is even more important that we stand together,” Wong said, offering Singapore’s support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Marcos also extended congratulations to Singapore as it marks its 60th year of independence in August and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a “strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life” for all Filipinos through regional and bilateral collaboration.