The Philippines and Singapore will intensify their collaboration in several areas, including renewable energy, sustainability, healthcare, and civil service development. A joint announcement was made by PM Lawrence Wong and Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on June 4, the first day of PM Wong's introductory visit to Manila.
A bilateral meeting was held at the Malacanang Palace in Manila where the two countries agreed to deepen their bilateral and regional cooperation and accelerate efforts towards the establishment of an Asean power grid.
Furthermore, the two leaders declared that their respective health ministries are exploring ways to enhance health cooperation, such as upskilling and reintegrating returned Filipinos into Philippine healthcare.
PM Wong said Singapore is committed to being a good second home to over 200,000 Filipinos working in the city state. Mr Marcos expressed his appreciation for Singapore's efforts to ensure their welfare, safety, and security. His appreciation went out to Singapore for their invaluable contributions, especially those Filipino healthcare workers who stood by us during the Covid-19 epidemic.
In his remarks, Mr Marcos noted that the Philippine Civil Service Commission is working to conclude an agreement on health cooperation and a digital leadership program with the National University of Singapore (NUS).
PM Wong also mentioned Temasek Foundation's involvement in the healthcare space in Taguig City - which is to the east of Manila - and said the two countries will continue to work collaboratively in this area.
PM Wong also agreed that the two countries would work collaboratively at the ASEAN level in order to accelerate regional integration and unlock the full potential of the association.
