Singapore @ 52
Ambassador Kok Li Peng, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Millicent Cruz-Paredes and Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Christian Anthony Virhuri share a toast.
Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng is undoubtedly one of the most popular Singaporean ambassadors who have served in the country, having made so many friends with her ready smile as well as her cool and reassuring personality. Proof of this is the well-attended Singapore National Day celebration held at the Ballroom of Raffles and Fairmont in Makati, with businessmen and diplomats joining the ambassador in celebrating the 52nd Independence Day of the island-nation.
Themed “One Nation Together,” this year’s celebration exhorts Singaporeans wherever they may be and regardless of background, status and origin to work together as one people to move the nation forward towards an even brighter future where no one is left behind.
Through the years, the Philippines and Singapore have enjoyed friendly relations, with an estimated 700,000 Filipinos visiting Singapore every year. Trade between the two countries is described as robust, with efforts to boost economic and business cooperation through such agencies as International Enterprise Singapore that has been encouraging companies to explore business opportunities in areas outside Manila — for instance, Cebu and Davao.
In fact, the situation in Marawi has not deterred interest among Singaporean investors as seen by the successful turnout during the recent Philippines-Singapore Business Council Conference held at the Fairmont Hotel.
The issue of terrorism, however, is one that is shared by both countries. In his National Day message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said, “Terrorism is a major threat, with frequent attacks around the world and closer to home.”
Singapore is willing to train Philippine troops in urban warfare and fighting in built-up areas, and has also offered drones to enhance the AFP’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. Incidentally, 300 unmanned drones stole the show during the National Day Parade at Marina Bay as they lit up the sky and formed various symbols and figures such as the Merlion and children holding hands and forming a circle to symbolize unity. - Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz
