MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to embark on a working visit to Singapore from October 7 to 11 to expand economic cooperation and bolster bilateral relations, marking his second trip to the city-state this year.
Accepting the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, Marcos will focus his visit on strengthening economic engagement, trade, investment, defense, and people-to-people connections. The talks will also target emerging sectors such as digital technology, smart infrastructure, artificial intelligence, green economy initiatives, renewable energy, and healthcare.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) highlighted the strategic timing of the trip as Singapore prepares to assume the leadership of the regional bloc.
”It provides an opportunity to further deepen coordination with Singapore and align priorities as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship,” DFA Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said.
”Singapore is a valued partner in keeping ASEAN cohesive and responsive to regional developments. We work with it on economic integration, maritime cooperation, and responses to transnational threats. We also value its consistent support for ASEAN centrality, international law, and peaceful dialogue,” Ratonel added.
From a commercial perspective, the DFA noted that the trip presents a key opportunity to broaden Philippine exports and services across Singapore and the broader ASEAN region, reinforce supply-chain networks, and step up bilateral trade.
Singapore remains a vital economic partner for the Philippines, standing as the top foreign source of approved investment commitments at the Philippine Board of Investments during the first half of 2026, totaling ₱3.15 billion.