PH Embassy in Singapore Hosts Reception to Celebrate Independence Day, Golden Anniv of Bilateral Relations
Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap and event Guest of Honor and Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong deliver their toast. (Singapore PE photo)
SINGAPORE 08 July 2019 — Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap hosted a diplomatic reception at the John Jacob Ballroom of the St. Regis Singapore on 14 June 2019 to jointly commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine independence and the 50th Anniversary of Philippines-Singapore Diplomatic relations.
The reception was graced by 300 guests, including Singapore officials, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders and representatives of the business community, academe and the Filipino community in Singapore.
Singaporean Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong was the events Guest of Honor, and was joined by Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Teo Ser Luck, and Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC Darryl David.
In his speech, Ambassador Yap highlighted the bright prospects and performance of the Philippine economy, despite the unfavourable global economic outlook, fuelled largely by domestic consumption, government spending and a robust services sector.
“A dramatic rebalancing of our foreign relations initiated by President Duterte has opened great opportunities for the country to obtain support for its quest for rapid and inclusive growth. We believe that goodwill begets friendship, friendship builds trust, and trust drives cooperation,” Ambassador Yap said.
The Ambassador also announced the successful projects and highly-anticipated events to celebrate the golden anniversary of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations.
Among the projects successfully implemented so far are the joint issuance of stamps by Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and Singapore Post (SingPost) featuring endemic butterflies to the two countries, the Wildlife Loan Agreement between the Philippine Government and the Wildlife Reserves Singapore for the conservation of the highly endangered Philippine eagles, and the successful restoration of Pacita Abad’s artwork on Alkaff Bridge.
“This year, we are eagerly anticipating the State Visit of the President, Her Excellency Madame Halimah Yacob, to the Philippines late this year,“ Ambassador Yap added.
Minister Wong reiterated the statement of Ambassador Yap regarding the outstanding bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore and looked forward to a continued friendship even beyond its 50th anniversary bilateral relations.
In line with the Embassy’s economic diplomacy thrust, the reception showcased various Philippine brands such as Arc Gin, Churreria La Lola Francesca Tan Ventures, Whyte and Mackay Whiskey, Jollibee, Ayala Land International, BDO Unibank, Excent One, LBC Express, Manulife Singapore, Metro Remittance Singapore, Philippine Airlines, PNB, PLDT and QuadX.
Vocablends, a Singapore-based a cappella group composed of Filipino professionals, serenaded the guests with Filipino songs. Philippine Embassy in Singapore officers and staff, as well as members of the Filipino community, showcased their elegant Filipinianas that fascinated the foreign guests. END
Ambassador Yap accompanies Minister Wong as he enters the ballroom. (Singapore PE photo)
Ambassador Yap delivers his message during the diplomatic reception. (Singapore PE photo)
Ambassador Yap with the Philippine Embassy in Singapore officers and staff, and its attached agencies. (Singapore PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore.