Xavier University Students Engage Embassy Officials on Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Relations

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Renee Gayle M. Chua, Head of the Cultural and Filipino Community Relations of the Embassy (left) together with Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig (middle) and First Secretary and Consul Joyleen E. Santos, Head of Public Diplomacy Section. (Singapore PE photos)

SINGAPORE 14 April 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Singapore welcomed more than 40 graduating AB International Studies students from Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan during their courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig on 10 April 2025. The students, accompanied by their faculty advisors, Ms. Ruby Jane B. Rivera and Ms. Aizzle Kay E. Tabafa, are in Singapore for a weeklong academic excursion from 08 to 13 April 2025 to deepen their understanding of diplomacy, the foreign service, and the role of Philippine embassies in advancing the country’s interests.

Ambassador Macaraig received the delegation and shared insights on the vital role of diplomacy in advancing the country’s interests through the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy. First Secretary and Consul Joyleen E. Santos provided an overview of the Embassy’s functions, emphasizing the One Country Team Approach and the Philippines’ dynamic bilateral relations with Singapore, through a short video highlighting the depth and breadth of the countries’ bilateral relations, reflected through the commemorative activities in 2024, when the Philippines and Singapore celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

During the Open Forum, the students had an engaging discussion with Embassy officials on the Philippine Government’s foreign policy direction and the Philippines’ partnership with Singapore, covering economics, socio-cultural and people-to-people ties. Ambassador Macaraig emphasized the Philippines’ long-standing and friendly relations with Singapore, a strong economic partner and a fellow founding member of ASEAN.

Ambassador Macaraig expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm and growing interest in international affairs, and encouraged them to join the Philippine foreign service corps by taking the Foreign Service Exam.

The university students also had the opportunity to interact with other Embassy officials and personnel, who shared their experiences and offered practical advice on pursuing a career in the Philippine foreign service.

As a token of appreciation, Ambassador Macaraig presented the faculty with a copy of the Embassy's publication, a book titled “Making a Mark on the Little Red Dot: Trailblazing Filipino Entrepreneurs in Singapore” which showcases the life-stories of 25 Filipinos in Singapore in the field of entrepreneurship. END

AB International Studies students from Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan together with their faculty and Embassy officials during the courtesy visit at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. (Singapore PE photos)

For more information, visit https://www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore, or https://www.instagram.com/phinsingapore/.