22 January 2026, Singapore – Delegation from the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by Undersecretary Irineo Espino, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig,  Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, at the Philippine Embassy on 20 January 2026, on the sidelines of the Sherpa Meeting for the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue organized by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). 

The Sherpa meeting serves as a preparatory session for the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, a premier defense summit that brings together defense ministers, military leaders, and strategic thinkers from across the region and beyond to discuss pressing security challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

Joining the courtesy call were Lieutenant General Jimmy Larida, Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP, DND Assistant Secretary Marita Yoro, and other officials from the DND and AFP. Ambassador Macaraig welcomed the delegation and took the opportunity to showcase the traditional Filipino design of the newly redeveloped Philippine Embassy chancery at 20 Nassim Road, which reflects rich Filipino heritage and culture.

Undersecretary Espino, who delivered remarks during the second session of the Sherpa meeting, engaged in discussions with Ambassador Macaraig on the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair. 

The delegation’s visit further strengthened inter-agency coordination among the DND, AFP, and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore in support of the Philippines’ broader efforts to enhance its regional defense partnerships. (END)