The Philippines and Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost cooperation on social-sector development, including support for a child’s first 1,000 days.
The ceremonial signing between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development followed the High-Level ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Forum 2026 in Makati City, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
The MOU covers social protection, family and child development, child protection, programs for persons with disabilities, women empowerment, and other mutually agreed initiatives.
Dumlao said cooperation will include institutional visits, workshops, training programs, and sharing of best practices to strengthen services, especially for vulnerable communities.
The Philippines is leading the ASCC Council Forum 2026, which gathers ministers and stakeholders to advance people-centered policies in the region.
Meetings this week will culminate in the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, where regional ministers are set to adopt key frameworks and finalize priority social policies for Southeast Asia.IMT
