Paragon of flawless modernity

Singapore and the Philippines have been friends and allies for the longest of time.

The Philippines has an embassy in Singapore. Likewise, Singapore has one in Manila.

The Philippines-Singapore Business Council tracks down business cooperation between the two countries which both agreed to the creation of the council.

Aside from the furtherance of economic relations, the Philippines and Singapore have forged an agreement intended to improve their tourism and security relationships.

In 2017, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed his interest in the revival of Anoa-Singa, the Singapore-Philippines military training agreement. This paved the way for Singaporeans to hold military exercises in the Philippines’ jurisdictions.

All these make the relations between Singapore and the Philippines stronger.

During the reception of the 54th National Day of the Republic of Singapore, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. regarded Singapore as a “paragon of flawless innovation and efficiency.”

“When I first stayed in Singapore to set up a branch of the law firm I worked in, I landed in Changi Airport, which was then a string of barracks — clean as whistles and manned by little muscled men in blue with submachine guns slung over their necks,” he said.

Today, Changi is tagged as the best airport in the world.

“The airport itself is considered as a tourist spot for many,” he added.

Locsin has also noted that Singapore is a representation of the very vision of every country — advanced, prosperous and luxurious. “Singapore harnessed its strengths which were weaknesses elsewhere,” he said.

Next month, the link between the two countries will be more pronounced with the visit of Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob to the Philippines upon the invitation of President Duterte.

“(The visit) honors our deep friendship and pays tribute to its abiding strength and dynamism,” Locsin noted. “As we turn our eyes to the next half century and beyond, allow me to convey the vision of Minister Balakrishnan, which I share with as much optimism.”

Locsin ended his talk with a symbolic toast with Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei Hong.

Singapore is a representation of the very vision of every country — advanced, prosperous and luxurious.