Remarks by Minister Lawrence Wong at the Tree-Planting Ceremony to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Philippines Diplomatic Relations

Jul 17, 2019

I am very happy to join you this morning for this tree-planting ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. 

Both our countries have enjoyed excellent relations over the past 50 years. This is marked by high-level exchanges, strong bilateral economic cooperation and frequent cultural collaborations between our two countries.

We are also close partners in ASEAN, working together to contribute to a stable region for our peoples.

The Ministry of National Development looks after public housing and building of infrastructure. We are also in charge of the flora and fauna in Singapore. In this respect, we enjoy a very good working relationship with the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and our Philippine counterparts.

For example, we were honoured to organise an orchid naming ceremony for President Rodrigo Duterte when he made his first State Visit to Singapore in December 2016.

We are also honoured to be the first country in the world to receive a pair of Philippine Eagles – one of the largest and rarest eagles in the world. This is part of a 10-year conservation programme for both sides to work together and attempt to breed the birds in Singapore.

If it is successful, the birds will be returned to the Philippines subsequently to contribute to the recovery of the species.

I am glad that we are honouring the Golden Jubilee of Singapore-Philippines relations through this simple, but very meaningful tree planting event.

Tree planting is something that we do every year in Singapore. It is a significant part of our journey as a City in a Garden.

The process of tree planting started right after our independence, when our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, set out his vision for Singapore to be a Garden City. He planted the first tree of our Tree Planting Campaign in 1963, and continued year after year since then. 

This kick-started Singapore’s greening movement. Today, we have over two million trees planted along roadsides, in parks, and on State land. 

It is very fitting that we are celebrating our steadfast friendship between the Philippines and Singapore by planting 5 Narra Tree saplings in Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park. The Narra Tree is the Philippines’ National Tree. It is sturdy and durable, symbolising the strong ties that we share. 

Here in Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park, one of the most popular urban parks in Singapore, all of us will be able to enjoy the beauty and shade provided by the Philippines’ Narra Trees planted right alongside Singapore’s Trumpet Trees. Having these trees planted and growing side-by-side is symbolic of the close ties and relationship between our two countries.

I look forward to the deepening of this relationship between our countries in the years ahead.   

Thank you very much. I wish all of you an enjoyable day.