PRESS RELEASE | PR-267-2025
SINGAPORE, 20 October 2025 – Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the inauguration ceremony of the newly-redeveloped Chancery this morning at 20 Nassim Road. This occasion marked a significant milestone in the Philippine Government’s enduring partnership with Singapore and its commitment to providing modern, inclusive, and efficient services to the Filipino community abroad.
The ceremony was graced by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balarishnan, who served as Guest of Honor.
Inauguration Ceremony
Secretary Lazaro was joined by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, namely, Undersecretary for Administration Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega and Assistant Secretary Patrick John U. Hilado of the Office of Assets Management and Support Services (OAMSS).
The ceremony began with a flag-raising with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and its attached agencies, followed by a ribbon-cutting and presentation of commemorative plaque.
A formal program was held at the Embassy’s Sinagtala Hall, where Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig welcomed guests and reflected on the Embassy’s journey towards this historic day.
Secretary Lazaro, in her remarks, highlighted the inauguration of the Philippine Chancery as a powerful symbol of national pride and the Philippine government’s enduring commitment to excellence in public service and diplomacy. She emphasized the Chancery’s transformation from a modest bungalow into a modern, culturally-resonant facility that reflects national pride and better serves the growing Filipino community. The Secretary also expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Singapore for its steadfast support and reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing shared regional goals.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan delivered, on behalf of the Singapore Government, a message of congratulations, reaffirming the strong and enduring ties between Singapore and the Philippines, which he described to have grown in “leaps and bounds”. He also expressed optimism that the new Philippine chancery would serve as a bridge that strengthens friendship, deepens mutual understanding, and inspires even more dynamic cooperation between the two countries.
The event was attended by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of ASEAN Member States in Singapore, former Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph del Mar Yap as well as the Chancery Redevelopment partners.
The program concluded with a special video presentation showcasing the Philippine Embassy’s journey and milestones leading to the completion of its new chancery. A photo opportunity followed, capturing the spirit of renewal and partnership that the new Philippine Chancery represents.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro leads the flag raising, ribbon cutting ceremony and the presentation of commemorative plaque during the inauguration of the new Philippine Embassy building.
(From L-R: Maria Theresa Dizon-de Vega, Undersecretary for Administration, Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs and Guest of Honor, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Philippine Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig and DFA Office of Asset Management and Services Patrick John U. Hilado).
Ambassador Macaraig (left), Secretary Lazaro (middle) and Minister Balakrishnan deliver their respective remarks during the occasion.
Realization of a Shared Dream
The new Chancery stands as a tangible representation of the Philippine government’s presence in Singapore and its commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Designed to enhance consular and labor services, promote cultural exchanges, and host diplomatic engagements, the facility offers modern, inclusive, and energy-efficient spaces for both its clients and personnel.
The redevelopment of the Philippine Chancery fulfills a long-held vision shared by past Philippine Ambassadors to Singapore. In June 2022, the Philippine Embassy unveiled the dedication marker and groundbreaking ceremony to symbolize the start of the construction journey. To pave the way to the construction of the Chancery, the Philippine Embassy transferred to its temporary office at the Triple One Somerset in December 2022.
A Home for the Filipino Community
The Chancery, acquired by the Philippine Government on 6 January 1986, has undergone several upgrades over the years. Its redevelopment marks its most significant transformation, in line with global standards for security, sustainability and accessibility.
Serving over 220,000 Filipinos in Singapore, the Embassy processes between 900 and 1,000 clients daily and remains one of the most active Philippine Foreign Service Posts in terms of overseas voters registration.
The Philippine Embassy extends its sincere gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Singapore and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the Chancery, as well as to those who joined in celebrating this historic occasion.
Advisory on commencement of full operations
While the new Chancery at 20 Nassim Road has been formally inaugurated, full operations, including consular and labor services, have not yet commenced. The Philippine Embassy will issue an official advisory once these services are ready to begin. We kindly ask the public to await further updates. (END).
