01 October 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in cooperation with the National Library Board (NLB) Singapore, successfully launched the photo exhibit entitled “50 Years of Golden Friendship” on 27 September 2019 at the Central Public Library.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap and his wife, Josephine Gotianum Yap, together with Ms. Catherine Lau, NLB’s Assistant Chief Executive (Public Library Services), welcomed guests from the diplomatic corps and members of the Filipino community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore is represented by Ms. Tham Wanrong, Deputy Director of the Southeast Asia II Directorate.
Ambassador Yap acknowledged the support of NLB for hosting the exhibit and coordinating the use of some of the pictures preserved by the National Archives of Singapore.
“While a picture may be worth a thousand words, these pictures alone barely touch the comprehensive nature of our friendship with Singapore. They are just a few snapshots of so many milestones and breakthroughs that a photo exhibit alone cannot fully capture. Nonetheless, they should serve as inspiration for us to further develop our relations and friendship in the context of bilateral, ASEAN and international cooperation and partnership,” Ambassador Yap said in his welcome remarks.
One of the highlights of the exhibit was the only known copy of the letter of then Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo addressed to his Singapore counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Rajaratnam, upgrading the Philippine Consulate General in Singapore to a full-fledged Embassy. This letter was recently unearthed in the archives of the Department of Foreign Affairs during preparations for the 50th anniversary celebration.
The National Archives of Singapore was also a treasure trove of memories, including a picture of Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez and Yang di-Pertuan Negara Yusof Ishak taken in April 1962, three years before Singapore became a sovereign state in 1965.
The photo exhibit also showcases the various activities organized for the Golden Jubilee, capped by pictures from the recent State Visit to the Philippines of Singapore President Halimah Yacob as she was given a ceremonial arrival honors in Malacanan and her side trip to Davao to see the Philippine eagles and interact with the Mindanao youth in line with her interfaith advocacy.
The photo exhibit will run until 31 October 2019. END
