23 March 2026, Singapore – Around sixty (65) leaders of the Filipino Community in Singapore gathered at the new Philippine Chancery for this year’s first Ugnayan: Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on Friday, 20 March 2026, organized by the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. The meeting marked the first Ugnayan held at the site since the Chancery’s redevelopment, as well as the first to be conducted on a Friday.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig welcomed members of the Filipino community and thanked them for their continued engagement with Embassy initiatives. He noted that the Chancery redevelopment project began more than a decade ago and shared brief updates on recent developments affecting Filipinos in the region, including ongoing repatriation efforts conducted over the past week, as well as updates on the Philippines’ Chairmanship of the ASEAN this year.

Second Secretary and Consul Atty. Joy Anne B. Lai provided updates and reminders from the Consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Sections. Assistant Labor Attaché Agnes Pabalan of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Singapore shared updates including the upcoming Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) and TESDA accreditation, and announced the office’s new online appointment system for labor-related services. Updates were also provided by OWWA, as well as representatives of SSS and Pag-IBIG Fund, covering welfare programs and membership services available to overseas Filipinos.

Second Secretary and Consul Renee Gayle M. Chua shared updates from the Embassy’s Cultural and Filipino Community Relations Sections, including upcoming cultural and community activities, and preparations for Philippine Independence Day celebrations.

First Secretary and Consul General Joyleen E. Santos also presented updates from the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section, including the upcoming launch of the 2026 OFW  Handbook, to complement the Travel guide for Filipinos visiting Singapore, which was released earlier in the year. These digital initiatives form part of the Embassy’s continuing efforts to promote the welfare of Filipinos abroad.

As part of the Ugnayan’s inclusive format, Filipino community partners were invited to share announcements. The Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore (PBSS) informed attendees of the upcoming closure of the Bayanihan Centre in June, while expressing hope that a new chapter for the Filipino community would soon begin in a new venue. The meeting also provided a platform for Filipino community organizations to present their achievements and upcoming initiatives, including the EduTrust Certification granted to Filipino-run school HFSE International School, the PAL Run organized by the Business Network Group (BNG), “Isang Bangkang Malaya” dragon boat event by Filipino Dragons Singapore, Fiesta 2026, and other community and sports activities organized by various Filipino groups in Singapore.

The Ugnayan continues to serve as an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and information-sharing between the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Singapore. The meeting was also livestreamed via Facebook Live to reach more members of the Filipino community.

For further information on Embassy programs and community activities, follow the Embassy’s official Facebook and Instagram pages @PHinSingapore or visit the Embassy website at www.philippine-embassy.sg.org. /END