MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned to Manila on Thursday after a three-day working visit to Singapore, saying the trip enhanced economic cooperation and strengthened investor confidence in the Philippines.
Marcos described the July 14–16 visit as productive, highlighting his discussions with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, meetings with corporate executives, and participation in the Milken Institute Roundtable Discussion.
“During this visit, I met with His Excellency Lawrence Wong, the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore. I held meetings with business and investment executives, and attended the Milken Institute’s Roundtable Discussion with regional business leaders,” the President said.
According to Marcos, the Philippines and Singapore reaffirmed the resilience of their bilateral relationship despite continuing global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.
The leaders also discussed expanding collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and cultural exchanges.
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship this year and Singapore’s upcoming chairship in 2027 provide an opportunity for both countries to work closely in advancing regional cooperation.
“With the Philippines and Singapore holding successive ASEAN Chairships, we underscored our shared commitment to a stronger, unified ASEAN,” he said.
During engagements with Singaporean investors, Marcos promoted the Philippines’ growing digital economy, skilled labor force, and ongoing reform measures aimed at attracting more foreign investments.
Talks focused on telecommunications, data centers, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, sectors considered vital for future economic expansion.
Among the firms he met were Singtel Group and ABC Impact.
Marcos said Singtel intends to expand NCS Philippines and continue developing ST Telemedia Global Data Centres in the country, while ABC Impact pledged support for the nationwide growth of AC Health.
“These business engagements reaffirm Singaporean investors’ strong confidence in the Philippine economy and the support that they will give to our country’s vision of becoming a competitive, innovation-driven, and future-ready investment destination,” he said.
At the Milken Institute roundtable, Marcos presented investment opportunities in the Philippines and highlighted key reforms, including the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Public-Private Partnership Code, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments.
“As a newly designated upper middle-income country with solid macroeconomic fundamentals, the Philippines offers a secure, transparent, and stable environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
The President said the visit reinforced the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and Singapore and their shared commitment to ASEAN centrality and regional development.
He also expressed gratitude to the Singaporean government and people for their hospitality and said he looks forward to meeting Wong again at the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits later this year.elamigo/xf
