Makati City, March 4 (AseanAll) — The Philippines and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on March 4, 2026 to cooperate on social-sector development, including an initiative to support the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
The ceremonial signing between the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development was held following the conclusion of the High-Level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Forum 2026, DSWD Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene B. Dumlao said in a post-meeting press briefing in Makati City.
Under the MOU, Dumlao said that among the areas of cooperation will be social protection, family and child development, including developments related to the first 1,000 days of a child, and child protection.
Programs for persons with disabilities, women empowerment, and other areas of cooperation that will be mutually agreed upon by the Philippines and Singapore will be included.
“’Yung cooperation natin will include institutional visits to facilities and centers and joint activities such as workshops and training programs to promote networking and strengthening cooperation because that is the essence of ASEAN, ‘yung sharing of best practices and interventional cooperation,” Dumlao told reporters.
Asked how vulnerable communities will benefit from the MOU, Dumlao said the Philippines could gain from the best practices to be shared by Singapore, which will strengthen the country’s social protection programs and services.
The Philippines is leading the High-Level ASCC Council Forum 2026, which brings together ministers, senior officials, experts, youth leaders, and development partners to prioritize people empowerment for ASEAN’s forward trajectory.
On March 3, the DSWD chaired the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) meeting, also held in Makati City.
This week’s meetings will culminate with the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, where regional ministers will formally adopt key frameworks and finalize priority social policies for Southeast Asia.
