Manila: The Philippines and Singapore have agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, healthcare, digital transformation, and regional integration, following a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Wong is in Manila for a two-day state visit - his first to the country since assuming office - as both nations mark 56 years of diplomatic relations this year. 'This visit of Prime Minister Wong demonstrates what we already have known for a long time to be true - the robust ties between the Philippines and Singapore and the steadfast camaraderie between Filipinos and Singaporeans are strong and remain strong,' Marcos stated in a joint press announcement following their meeting.
Singapore was the Philippines' eighth-largest trading partner in 2024 and continues to be a significant investor. The city-state hosts approximately 220,000 Filipinos, many of whom work in healthcare and domestic services.
Marcos and Wong confirmed their countries' commitment to advancing an implementing agreement on a carbon credits mechanism aligned with the Paris Agreement. The initiative is expected to promote climate-friendly investments and sustainable livelihoods. 'We are likewise seeking further achievements in our renewable energy sector, acknowledging how Singapore will remain a major partner in our aspiration to diversify our energy sources,' Marcos stated. Wong expressed interest from Singaporean companies in solar and wind projects in the Philippines, highlighting regional collaboration on the ASEAN Power Grid to boost energy resilience.
Marcos and Wong also emphasized expanding collaboration in healthcare, including a planned bilateral agreement and support for Filipino healthcare workers in Singapore. 'As we continue to promote collaboration and innovation and facilitate training and exchanges between our health experts, we hope to soon conclude a bilateral agreement with Singapore on health cooperation,' Marcos mentioned. Wong acknowledged the role of Filipino workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and noted Singapore's efforts to help healthcare workers upskill and reintegrate into the Philippine system.
The two leaders also committed to close coordination on regional priorities, including the Philippines' chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026. Both leaders highlighted the importance of ASEAN unity, economic integration, and multilateralism. 'We exchanged views on what we can further do together to make ASEAN communities stronger and more resilient, bound by our shared commitment to free trade and the value of multilateralism,' Marcos said. Wong also reiterated support for the Philippines' digital governance agenda, including leadership training for the Civil Service Commission through the National University of Singapore.
Both leaders expressed appreciation for each other's long-standing commitments. Marcos thanked Singapore for its aid during a typhoon in the Philippines in October 2024, its role in wildlife conservation, particularly of the Philippine Eagle, and its support for overseas Filipino workers. The President also congratulated Singapore ahead of its 60th independence anniversary this August. 'Your remarkable progress over six decades to become one of the world's most stable, most admired countries is indeed an achievement worth celebrating - and for the Philippines, worth emulating,' he stated.
