Philippine Embassy in Singapore Opens New Chancery with Cultural Design

In December, the Philippine embassy in Singapore relocated to a new chancery after nearly 40 years in an outdated 1970s building. Ambassador Medardo Macaraig noted the previous facility had inadequate electrical systems and required temporary tents for election crowds. The new three-story structure, designed by Singapore-based ACO Architects and Inside Outside Designs, incorporates Philippine vernacular architecture, such as abstracted bahay kubo elements, and features national symbols like amakan bamboo lattice and narra tree motifs. It serves 220,000 Philippine nationals in Singapore and aims to enhance diplomatic presence during the country's ASEAN chairmanship. The interior includes furniture by designers Ito Kish and Vito Selma and artworks by Jose 'Bogie' Tence Ruiz.