Noy, Singapore leader discuss defense cooperation

MANILA, Philippines - There was no mention of the West Philippine Sea issue, but President Aquino and visiting Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam discussed defense and security cooperation, “which includes high-level training, educational and intelligence exchanges.”

The two leaders agreed to revive the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan, a mechanism to boost bilateral ties, including defense, trade and investments, information technology, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

“The Philippines proposed the holding of a defense dialogue in order to further strengthen our cooperation. We also welcomed the opportunity to host this year’s Asian Defense and Security exhibition on July 16 to 18. I believe that strengthening defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is key to maintaining regional stability,” Aquino said.

Meanwhile, Tan congratulated Aquino on the conclusion of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“This is a momentous accomplishment and a testament to the leadership and efforts of President Aquino and his administration in brokering peace and stability for the Philippines and the region,” he said.

Tan said they also discussed developments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as founding members that share a common vision of building a strong, united and stable ASEAN community.

“We will continue to work closely to promote the common interest of our region,” he said.

Yolanda aid

Aquino took the opportunity to thank Singapore for being one of the first countries to reach out to the Filipino people in the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

He said Singapore deployed a Civil Defense Force team to assist the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities, adding they also deployed a C-130 aircraft to support ferrying operations between Tacloban City and Manila.

This was on top of the cash and in-kind donations consisting of $33,600 in emergency supplies, $96,000 in relief goods and $160,000 as seed money for the Singapore Red Cross’ Yolanda fund-raising drive, the President said.

Aquino also cited fundraising efforts by the private sector, businesses, non-government organizations, academe, as well as the overseas Filipino community in Singapore that raised more than $10 million.

“Singapore’s generosity will indeed be remembered with gratitude,” he said.

Tan will visit Basey, Western Samar, where he will present medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, which is a joint rehabilitation project of the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“Our government’s plan is to build back better, stronger and more resilient communities, and the speedy rehabilitation of health service facilities in affected areas is key to these efforts. I have always said that we Filipinos never forget the kindness extended to us by friends – and I reiterate that now, as Singapore continues to lend a helping hand,” Aquino said.

Trade relations

The President said the country is also reaping gains from its drive for transparency, accountability and integrity – not only in governance, but also in the private sector – providing an ideal environment for growing trade between the Philippines and Singapore.

“As such, we also discussed the expansion of cooperation with Singapore in the fields of infrastructure and construction, tourism facilities, information technology-business process management, shipbuilding, logistics services and agribusiness. We also extended an invitation to Singapore to participate further in the Philippines’ business sector, specifically through the Philippines-Singapore Business Council,” Aquino said.

He also expressed admiration for Singapore’s can-do attitude and achieving so much with so little.

“From your country’s inception, you have successfully worked to maximize the resources available to you, showing the world that great things can be and are made possible by a can-do attitude. For instance, I am sure that many of us in this room are cognizant of how your country addressed your water shortage through the concept of NEWater. It is a prime example of how initiative and a little ingenuity can truly go a long way,” he said.

Aquino also thanked the Singaporean people and government for the hospitality they extended to around 180,000 Filipinos in Singapore.

He wished Tan, with wife Mary, and their delegation a “fun” stay in the Philippines.

Grateful

Tan said they were grateful for the hospitality extended to their delegation, and that he was “touched by the warmth of the Filipino people.”

“It has been more than 10 years since my last official visit to the Philippines and I am astounded by the remarkable progress and developments that have taken place. However, there are distinctive Filipino traits that remain unchanged,” he said.

“Since our arrival, we have experienced nothing but the warmth, charm and friendliness of this beautiful country. Singapore and the Philippines share a long friendship, which has grown and deepened over the years,” he added.

Tan also noted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries and the many Filipinos visiting, working and living in Singapore.

“Singapore has been a home away from home for them and they are an integral part of our society. There are also many Singaporeans seeking economic opportunities in the Philippines. The Philippines-Singapore Business Council, which was launched in 1994, has been meeting regularly and will be meeting again,” he said.

Irreplaceable role

He said the Filipino community in Singapore plays an “irreplaceable role in our economy and society.”

He also cited the increase in air services between Singapore and the Philippines under the Air Services Agreement, which would bring about greater exchanges between the two governments, businesses and peoples.

“I am delighted to note that the recent expansion of our Air Transport Agreement would increase the weekly air services capacity between Singapore and Manila by at least 25 percent. The Philippines’ charming cities and beautiful beaches will then be just a quick plane ride away for Singaporeans,” he said.

Singapore, Tan said, also shared Filipinos’ grief when Typhoon Yolanda struck last November and many Singaporeans raised funds and volunteered in the disaster relief efforts.

“We are heartened that the spirit and resilience of the Philippine people remain strong in such devastation. We have been working with the Philippine government and stakeholders in the rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

Tan said he would be handing over Singapore people’s contributions to various partners and projects to alleviate the difficult situation caused by the typhoon.

He said the longstanding Singapore community here was also expanding and most Singaporeans were attracted by the Philippines’ strong growth prospects and were seeking economic opportunities here.

Capable leadership

Tan praised Aquino for the Philippines’ progress under his capable leadership.

“The Philippine economy is consistently one of the strongest in Asia. Investments inflows are growing as a result of burgeon business confidence. These resulted from your resolute commitment to enhance the level of social economic development in the Philippines,” he said.

“I am confident that your administration’s efforts will further spur growth and bring greater prosperity to the Philippine people. It will also present more collaborative opportunities for Singapore businesses keen to be part of the Philippine success story,” he added.

He said Singapore and the Philippines shared an interest in building a strong and united ASEAN community.

“This makes a task of achieving an ASEAN community in 2015 all the more urgent as Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Philippines to advance our common regional interest,” he said.