MANILA, 23 June 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Singapore proudly extends its warmest congratulations to Second Secretary and Consul Atty. Joy Anne B. Lai, Head of the Consular and Assistance-to-Nationals Section and the Philippine Chancery Project Focal Person, who was  conferred the Gawad Mabini with the rank of Dakilang Kasugo (Commander) by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in the name and by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during the 128th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City, Philippines.

Atty. Lai was honored for her exceptional dedication, vision, and leadership in the redevelopment of the new Philippine Chancery in Singapore, while simultaneously fulfilling her demanding responsibilities as head of multiple Embassy sections since her posting in Singapore in August 2021. 

As focal person for the project, she, under the guidance of Ambassadors Medardo G. Macaraig and Joseph del Mar Yap, conceptualized and managed the overall strategy and design, ensuring secure, functional, and inclusive spaces that reflect both modern efficiency and Philippine identity. She worked tirelessly with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Singaporean ministries, and local partners to realize this landmark initiative—from the groundbreaking in June 2022 led by former Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. to the inauguration of the new Chancery on 20 October 2025, led by Secretary Lazaro and Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.

A career diplomat and a civil servant for nearly two decades, Atty. Lai has devoted seven years to the Philippine foreign service. Before her first foreign posting at the Embassy in Singapore, she served as Acting Director at the DFA-Office of Asset Management and Support Services (OAMSS), overseeing the Overseas and Regional Properties and Contract Management Division (ORPCMD).

Ambassador Macaraig expressed his full trust and confidence in Ms. Lai, recalling their collaboration during his tenure as Assistant Secretary of OAMSS. He commended her perseverance, foresight, and unwavering commitment in bringing the Chancery redevelopment project to fruition.

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore, together with the Filipino Community, proudly celebrates this recognition and conveys its heartfelt congratulations to Second Secretary and Consul Lai for bringing honor and pride to the Philippines and to Filipinos in Singapore. /END

About Gawad Mabini

Gawad Mabini is an order bestowed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines to personnel of the DFA, and upon Filipinos who have rendered distinguished service or promoted the interests of the Republic of the Philippines at home and abroad. The award was named after Apolinario Mabini, the first foreign affairs secretary of the Philippines.