Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Constance See visited the Iloilo Provincial Capitol today to meet with Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., opening discussions on potential collaborations in agriculture, trade, and technology.
The talks aimed to explore how Iloilo’s agricultural strengths could complement Singapore’s needs, and how Singapore’s innovations could benefit the province’s development.
Ambassador See highlighted Singapore’s heavy reliance on imported food, noting the strong market demand for premium-quality products such as chicken, eggs, fruits and vegetables, which the Philippines, particularly Iloilo, could supply by meeting stringent international standards.
Governor Defensor, in response, emphasized Iloilo’s readiness to engage.
“We are primarily an agricultural province, and we like it that way. The good news is Iloilo Province is a blank canvas and we have space for development,” he said.
The envoy also introduced Singapore’s advancements in water technology systems, flood control, and waste-to-energy facilities, and even invited Iloilo to send a delegation to her country for learning tours to see these innovations firsthand, offering an opportunity to adopt proven solutions for local needs.
Beyond economic discussions, Ambassador See noted Iloilo’s cultural connection to Singapore through the award-winning 2013 film ‘Ilo Ilo’ by Anthony Chen, which won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, depicting the relationship between a Singaporean family and their Filipino domestic worker, brought Iloilo into the cultural consciousness of many Singaporeans.
Also present during the meeting were Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Center Officer-in-Charge Aulynn Yue Sin.
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