25 June 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam celebrated the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence by hosting a diplomatic reception on June 20 at the International Convention Center (ICC) in Bander Seri Begawan.
Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office, and his wife, Datin Hajah Sapiah binte Haji Sabtu, attended the diplomatic reception as guests of honor representing His Majesty the Sultan's Government.
In his speech, Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Nestor Z. Ochoa acknowledged the close ties between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, as the two "countries have been contributing to each other's economic development."
"Activities such as official visits by government officials, missions and projects to promote peace and interfaith dialogue, the presence of Filipino workers in Brunei, business partnerships and road shows, sports, cultural, tourism and other exchange of visits have helped build bridges of understanding between our peoples," the Ambassador said.
Ambassador Ochoa underscored the great potential for further expanding bilateral relations, particularly through the work of Brunei's Ministry of Finance, noting that during the State Visit to Brunei Darussalam of President Benigno S. Aquino III in June 2011, the President had invited Brunei's Ministry of Finance to consider investing in the Philippine tourism industry.
Ambassador Ochoa also cited the discussions between Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Pehin Rahman on the possible partnership between Philippine government pension funds (i.e. SSS, GSIS) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), as well as the possible involvement of Brunei in developing Islamic banking, and investing in agribusiness estates in Mindanao as well as in the Philippine halal food industry.