Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez
Chargé d’ Affaires,a.i. / Consul General
Love for food has always been a shared passion between the Philippines and Singapore. Throughout our years of friendship, we have grown to appreciate each other’s culinary offerings, with their flavors, presentations, and health benefits continually enhanced by the agricultural produce traded, not only between our countries, but also among all ASEAN states.
This year, as we reopen our borders, the Philippines highlights the major role that Mindanao plays in the economic recovery process. Mindanao, the second largest Philippine island located south of our beautiful archipelago, is our country’s food basket. It supplies over 40 percent of the Philippines’ food requirements, and contributes more than 30 percent to the national food trade. It is also home to the king of the fruit, durian, which holds a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans. We are off to a great start on this front: during the business forum of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) here in Singapore last August 2022, a purchase and supply agreement for the importation of pineapple, papaya, bananas, and other agricultural products into Singapore was forged during the said Forum.
With President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. at the helm of the Philippine Department of Agriculture, we are confident that he will continue to champion agriculture trade and development which is a legacy of his in his decades-long service as a public servant. We count on the continued support of the Singapore Fruits and Vegetables Importers and Exporters Association (SFVIEA), it being a cog in the promotion and development of the fruits and vegetables trade. We are looking forward to a stronger and more vibrant relationship between our countries, as we work together towards food security in this region.
Salamat at mabuhay po kayong lahat!