Narra Saplings Planted to Symbolize Enduring PH-SG Relations
Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap (left) and Singaporean Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong led the planting of the Narra saplings. (Singapore Ministry of National Development photo)
SINGAPORE 06 August 2019 – As part of the year-long celebration of the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in cooperation with the National Parks Board of Singapore (NParks), organized a tree-planting event at the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on 17 July 2019.
Five saplings of Narra, the country’s national tree, were planted in the park. Each sapling represents a decade of strong relations between the two countries. The saplings were interspersed with existing trumpet trees in the park to signify the desire of both countries to grow together as friends, neighbors, members of ASEAN, and the larger community of nations.
“We look forward to the saplings flourishing and growing into strong, noble and majestic Narra Trees in the next 50 years and beyond just as Singapore and Philippine bilateral relations will continue to grow from strength to strength and to flourish,” Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap said in his welcome remarks.
Singaporean Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong was the Guest of Honor at the event.
Mr. Wong affirmed the close ties between the two countries, highlighting, “It is very fitting that we are celebrating our steadfast friendship between the Philippines and Singapore by planting five Narra Tree saplings in Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park. The trees are sturdy and durable, symbolising the strong ties that we share. Having these trees planted and growing side-by-side is symbolic of the close ties and relationship between our two countries.”
The two countries also unveiled a marker highlighting the significance of the Narra saplings in marking the Golden Jubilee of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore.
Embassy officers and staff, Singapore Government representatives, and Filipino community members in Singapore joined the tree-planting event. END
The marker explaining the significance of the Narra saplings for the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Singapore relations. (Cristy Vicentina photo)
Ambassador Yap and Minister Wong, together with participants of the tree-planting ceremony from the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, Singapore Government representatives, and the Filipino community. (Ministry of National Development photo)
For more information, visit https://www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore.