In the name of the Ateneo de Davao University Community and particularly of its Al Qalam Institute on Muslim Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, it is my pleasure to welcome Your Excellency Madam Halimah Yacob, President of Singapore, to the Ateneo de Davao University. I welcome you as both our countries celebrate the golden anniversary of their diplomatic relations. In this context, both Singapore and the Philippines are founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and your visit strengthens our bonds as active members of a cultural, economic and political community in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is happy to enjoy strong economic ties with Singapore in trade, investment, and tourism, even as we marvel at the economic, political, educational, cultural and social miracle that is Singapore. Despite its small size Singapore is a giant in the world.
Madam President, as a Catholic and Jesuit University, ADDU has a mission to social justice and peace; we welcome you to our University particularly as a promoter of women’s rights, the welfare of the underprivileged, the marginalized, the worker, and of the environment, our common home. In this part of the Philippines, Mindanao, where conflict has had its roots in social injustice and inter-religious conflict between Muslims, indigenous Lumad, and Christians, we welcome you especially as an advocate of interreligious dialogue. You come from arguably the most religiously diverse country of the world, and we are delighted that you have set aside time during your State Visit to the Philippines to come to our University to share of your wisdom with our youth! As we welcome you to our University, we wish upon you and Singapore God’s blessings of continued prosperity and peace.
