12 November 2024, Singapore — A delegation of over 40 local government officials from the Philippines, including a Vice Governor and Mayors from the provinces of Aklan and Antique, as well as staff members from the Philippine Senate, are currently in Singapore to participate in the Foreign Study Mission on Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities from 12 to 15 November 2024. This program is organized by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore, as part of the Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Executives (AGILE) initiative. 

The study mission, which focuses on advancing sustainable development and adaptive governance for Philippine local government leaders, reflects a continuing commitment of both the Philippines and Singapore to empower local officials with innovative strategies and best practices in urban planning.

The mission delegates, led by their Mission Leader Vice Governor Reynaldo Quimpo of the Province of Aklan  and the National Chairperson of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), paid a courtesy call on Chargé d’affaires Emmanuel R. Fernandez at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore this morning. 

CDA Fernandez expressed the Embassy’s support for initiatives aimed at sustainable progress in Philippine communities and highlighted that the study mission’s objectives align with the Embassy’s own priorities of fostering resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking development frameworks. He also extended the Embassy’s  best wishes for a productive and inspiring study mission in Singapore.

During the courtesy call, Director Alvin P. Principe of DAP’s Center for Governance – Operations Management Office, introduced the mission’s participants, representing a diverse group of local leaders committed to learning about Singapore’s world-class models of smart governance.

Director Principe outlined the mission’s goals and activities, emphasizing the support of Senator Loren Legarda, who champions the empowerment of local government leaders for sustainable growth. Atty. Reynaldo M. Quimpo, Vice Governor of Aklan and National Chairman of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines, and the Mission Leader, also conveyed the delegation’s gratitude and shared his vision for applying the insights gained from the mission.

The program included a Q&A session, allowing delegates and Embassy officials to exchange insights on Embassy operations, bilateral relations, and the welfare of Filipinos in Singapore. To conclude, Vice Governor Quimpo presented a token of appreciation to CDA Fernandez, followed by a group photo and light refreshments. (END).