Singapore ambassador visits Dumaguete City

CEBU, Philippines — Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Kok Li Peng arrived in Dumaguete City yesterday in preparation for the staging of a special event in Dumaguete for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

“Diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines remains steadfast and strong for 48 long years while looking forward to the 50th anniversary in 2019,” said Ambassador Kok in a statement during the welcoming ceremony at the City Council’s session hall.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and Vice Mayor Franklin Esmena led city officials and employees in welcoming the ambassador to the city.

Kok later attended the send-off ceremony of 30 students of the Negros Oriental State University who will be leaving for Singapore for a 3-week skills exchange program, with their Singaporean counterparts coming to Dumaguete in March next year.

In her brief visit, she said Dumaguete City “is a hidden gem for being situated in a very nice scenery that is close to major tourist destinations and inhabited by gentle people.”

The ambassador had a good time exploring the culture and arts in Dumaguete, saying that this is another area that she is working on: How to go with people to people exchanges, how to share respective governments culture and arts including the food which she considers as the most pleasant side of her job.

“I think you have the people and you have the will and you have all the ingredients, and I think this will be an exciting time for Dumaguete City in the coming years because as you grow, the charm and the beauty of the city will become renowned … and that Singaporeans will also be able to join you,” said Kok.

Remollo, for his part, said the coming of Ambassador Kok “opens the doors to a lot of possibilities for Dumaguete and its people, aside from the ongoing academic relationship with a group of students in the school operated by Dave Saceda.”

The mayor said he is also looking forward to cooperative undertakings with Singapore in terms of culture, arts and technology and in the preservation of the environment. (FREEMAN)