28 July 2025, Singapore – The Philippine Embassy in Singapore conducted its Ugnayan: Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting for the third quarter of 2025, its fourth for the year, on Sunday, 27 July 2025. It brought together over 70 Filipino community leaders and representatives for a briefing and open discussion on key developments affecting Filipinos in Singapore. 

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig thanked the Filipino community for their continued engagement and support for Embassy- and Filcom-led activities in Singapore. He also provided updates on recent developments, including the assumption of the new Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the 9th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. He encouraged the Filipino community to stay informed about national and regional issues, and emphasized the importance of awareness and engagement even while abroad.

Second Secretary and Consul Joy Anne B. Lai briefed the attendees on the upcoming temporary changes to the Embassy’s operating schedule in September, as part of preparations for the Embassy’s transfer to its new premises at Nassim Road. Updates were also shared on the launch of the Philippine e-Visa system and the new official Facebook page of the DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA). A highlight of her presentation was the sneak preview and renders of the new Chancery building, set to be inaugurated by the last quarter of the year.

Labor Attaché Haney Lynn G. Siclot of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Singapore announced the new official email address for the MWO and discussed updated verification fees for employment documents. Additional updates were also provided by OWWA Welfare Officer Florencio “Jay” D. Teves III and the Social Security System (SSS) representative Joy Anne E. Cabading, covering membership assistance and available welfare programs and SSS benefits for overseas Filipinos.

Second Secretary and Consul Renee Gayle M. Chua shared recent and upcoming cultural and community initiatives of the Embassy, beginning with a recap of activities related to Philippine Culture Consciousness Week and Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino celebrations. She then outlined a slate of upcoming events, including exhibitions, concerts, and collaborative activities with Filipino community partners. She also invited community members to support and contribute to the Embassy’s FilCom Newsletter, launched last month, which serves as a platform for sharing community news, events, and initiatives.

As part of the Ugnayan’s inclusive format, leaders from various Filipino community organizations also took the stage to present their upcoming events. Highlights included the Fiesta ng Pamilyang Pilipino on 17 August 2025, organized by the Fiesta Executive Committee; the SB19 Concert on 24 August 2025; the Bayanihan Walk organized by the Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore on 5 October 2025; and Habi 2025: Cultural Weaving Traditions through Fashion Show hosted by FLAG on 11 October 2025.

The Ugnayan continues to serve as an important platform for community dialogue, cultural promotion, and collaboration among Filipinos in Singapore. As mentioned during the meeting, this was the last Ugnayan at the Embassy’s temporary office at TripleOne 111 Somerset Building as the Embassy prepares for its upcoming return to 20 Nassim Road, the permanent location of the Chancery.

The event was also livestreamed via Facebook Live to reach more members of the Filipino community, which garnered 9,000 views as of writing. 

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