H.E. the President of Singapore Hon’ble Tharman Shanmugaratnam about his state visit to Philippines on a LinkedIn post.
Do you know that the Philippine eagle is believed to have the largest wing span of any eagle species alive? Unfortunately it is now critically endangered. The Philippines is seeking to preserve its natural habitat and enable it to breed. Mandai Wildlife is supporting the effort to preserve this majestic bird.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos were exceptionally warm in hosting my wife and I, and my delegation, on my State Visit to The Philippines over the last three days. We had productive discussions.
Philippines and Singapore Deepen Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability remain top priorities for both Singapore and the Philippines. These areas offer strong opportunities for future collaboration.
The Philippines holds significant potential to contribute to global climate goals. For example, it can restore forests, protect wetlands, and retire coal plants early. At the same time, the country can expand solar, wind, and geothermal energy—sectors where it has natural advantages.
Carbon Credit Agreement Reached
During the recent State Visit, both governments signed an agreement on carbon credits. This deal will allow the exchange of credits between the two countries.
Currently, companies are waiting for the Implementation Agreement. This legal framework, expected within a year, will enable businesses to launch sustainable projects funded by carbon credits.
Boosting Rice Sustainability and Nutrition
Rice is another key area of collaboration. As a staple food for much of Asia, rice faces serious threats from climate change. We must also address its nutritional challenges.
To solve this, we are working closely with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based near Manila. IRRI is developing rice varieties that are healthier and more sustainable. These include rice with a lower glycaemic index to combat rising diabetes, and higher protein content to fight child malnutrition.
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory supports IRRI in this vital mission. Additionally, A*STAR may assist with clinical studies to confirm the health benefits of the new rice. The Lee Foundation is also playing a crucial role by funding young rice scientists through IRRI.
Expanding People Development and Healthcare Ties
We have also launched new initiatives in human development. Singapore will help train healthcare workers in the Philippines. This benefits both countries—improving healthcare in the Philippines and filling gaps in Singapore.
Furthermore, our medical team at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital will partner with Taguig City. With a population of 1.3 million, the city will benefit from a maternal and child healthcare programme supported by Temasek Foundation. This collaboration aims to improve early-life nutrition and maternal health—critical foundations for a child’s future and a healthier society.
Looking Ahead
Together, Singapore and the Philippines are building a partnership focused on climate action, food security, and public health. These efforts will create shared value and long-term sustainability for both nations.
Singapore and the Philippines Strengthen Cooperation in Digital Skills and Development
The Philippines plans to collaborate with the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Systems Science. This partnership will train leaders in digital transformation within the Philippine civil service. Once trained in Singapore, these leaders will return home to train thousands more across the country.
Local Singaporeans Leading Change
Meanwhile, individual Singaporeans are also making a difference. For example, Lee Zhihan, a young Singaporean, launched a skills training programme for underprivileged youth on Negros Island. His initiative is both inspiring and impactful.
Shared Vision for Growth and Innovation
The Philippines has a young, creative population. It is rich in biodiversity and full of promise. Singapore believes in the country’s great potential and proudly supports its progress. Together, both nations can build a brighter, more resilient future. These joint efforts will benefit our economies and our people.
Sustainable Rice Cultivation Is Urgent
Today’s rice farming methods are centuries old. Unfortunately, they are no longer sustainable. Wet paddy fields release large amounts of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Moreover, rice farming consumes vast quantities of water—even in regions already facing water shortages.
Worse still, climate change now poses a major threat to rice crops. Droughts are becoming more severe. Countries from China and Southeast Asia to India and Africa are all seeing their harvests at risk.
Conclusion
Singapore and the Philippines are committed to tackling these challenges together. From digital transformation to sustainable agriculture, our shared projects will drive meaningful change across the region.
Photo credit: [1] Andrew JK Tan/ @mentorgraphy [3] Bong Bong Marcos [4-5] Terence Tan, MDDI
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