Toast Speech by President Tony Tan at State Luncheon hosted by HE Benigno Aquino III

Your Excellency Benigno Aquino III
President of the Republic of the Philippines

Mrs Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada

Honourable Jejomar Binay
Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        I would like to thank Your Excellency for the warm words and kind remarks about Singapore. My delegation and I are delighted to be here, and we are touched by the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to us. It has been more than 10 years since my last official visit to the Philippines, and I am astounded by the remarkable progress and developments that have taken place. However, there are distinctive Filipino traits that remain unchanged. Since our arrival, we have experienced nothing but the warmth, charm and friendliness of this beautiful country.  

        Singapore and the Philippines share a long friendship which has grown and deepened over the years. This year marks the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our governments enjoy good cooperation and our multi-faceted linkages range from economic collaboration to cultural exchanges. Your Excellency’s State Visit in 2011 has further strengthened these ties which intertwine our economies and peoples. The Filipino community in Singapore plays an irreplaceable role in our economy and society. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for their contributions to Singapore’s growth and development. Meanwhile, the longstanding Singapore community here is also expanding. More Singaporeans are attracted by the Philippines’ strong growth prospects and are seeking economic opportunities here. 

        Our people-to-people ties are robust. Growing air connectivity has been an important catalyst not only for trade and business, but also tourism between our countries. I am delighted to note that the recent expansion of our Air Transport Agreement will increase the weekly air services capacity between Singapore and Manila by at least 25%. The Philippines’ charming cities and beautiful beaches will be just a quick plane ride away for Singaporeans. 

        Singaporeans shared in the pain and anguish of our Filipino brethren when we learnt of the devastation inflicted by Typhoon Haiyan last November. Singaporeans responded to help in various ways. Some contributed in kind, while others opened their hearts to support the victims through donations. We are cheered by the resilience of the Filipino people, and how you quickly came together to rebuild lives, homes and communities. Tomorrow, I will have the honour of handing over contributions from the Singapore people to various partners and NGOs involved in projects to help the affected communities. 

Your Excellency,

        Over the past few years, the Philippines has made tremendous progress under your capable leadership. The Philippine economy is consistently one of the strongest in Asia. Investment inflows are growing as a result of burgeoning business confidence. These resulted from your resolute commitment to enhance the level of socio-economic development in the Philippines. I am confident that your Administration’s efforts will further spur growth and bring greater prosperity to the Philippine people. It will also present more collaborative opportunities for Singapore businesses keen to be part of the Philippine success story. 

        I also offer my congratulations to the Philippines on the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on 27 March in the grounds of Malacanang. Through Your Excellency’s efforts and resolve, both sides have come together with the common goal of securing peace. These are critical steps towards a new future of peace, stability and growth for the people of the Bangsamoro region.

        At the regional level, Singapore and the Philippines share an interest in building a strong and united ASEAN Community. While the landscape has evolved since the time when we were founding members of ASEAN, the strategic imperatives remain unchanged. In fact, these imperatives have grown more compelling in the face of new challenges confronting our region. This makes the task of achieving an ASEAN Community in 2015 all the more urgent, and Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Philippines to advance our common regional interests. 

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        May I now invite you to rise and join me in a toast:

·         To the good health and continued success of His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III;

·         To the continued peace and prosperity of the people of the Philippines; and

·         To the friendship between Singapore and the Philippines.

Mabuhay!