President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will embark on a working visit to Singapore from October 7 to 11 to deepen bilateral ties, attract foreign investment, and strengthen cooperation in economic development and clean energy, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Tuesday.
The Chief Executive will be accompanied by Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Acting Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.
The upcoming visit marks the President’s second trip to Singapore this year, following a state visit in July, highlighting the close strategic relationship and shared diplomatic priorities between the two nations.
Diplomatic officials stressed that the timing of the trip is particularly strategic as the Philippines prepares to conclude its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while Singapore prepares to assume the regional leadership role next year.
”It provides an opportunity to further deepen coordination with Singapore and align priorities as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship,” the DFA said.
During the working visit, President Marcos is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to review expanded bilateral initiatives and discuss pressing regional developments. Discussions are expected to cover energy security, carbon market frameworks, climate finance, technology transfer, and skills development.
The President will also address the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference, engaging international corporate leaders, private equity executives, and institutional investors to present Philippine economic reforms and market opportunities.
To support national energy planning, President Marcos will tour the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute to observe Singapore’s advancements in nuclear technology, safety standards, and specialized research capabilities.
Officials confirmed that while no formal gathering with the local Filipino community is scheduled, Prime Minister Wong has personally invited President Marcos to attend the Singapore Grand Prix, where the Chief Executive will participate in informal engagements with foreign leaders and business executives.
The DFA defended the administration’s official travel schedule amid domestic economic pressures, emphasizing that foreign trips function as necessary economic investments that generate long-term trade commitments, capital inflows, and job creation.
”These official foreign trips should be assessed based on their overall benefits to the nation, including foreign direct investments, job creation, and strategic diplomatic partnerships,” foreign affairs officials said.
They also said the mission will build on strong commercial ties, noting that Singapore was the top source of foreign investment commitments approved by the Philippine Board of Investments in the first half of 2026, totaling P3.15 billion.
Parallel to the state visit preparations, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore confirmed it is monitoring the arrest of five Filipino nationals involved in an alleged theft incident along Orchard Road last month, affirming full respect for Singaporean judicial processes while reminding overseas Filipinos to strictly comply with local laws.
Meanwhile, maritime authorities assured the public that all 21 Filipino crew members aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier M/V First Margaux are safe and unharmed following a collision with a Chinese fishing vessel in the Singapore Strait on September 17.