President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. left Manila on Sunday on a mission to forge stronger ties with the United States for a wide range of areas such as food security, digital economy, energy security, and climate change.

In his departure speech at the Villamor Airbase, the President said his visit to the US, a long standing ally, would reinforce Manila and Washington’s “already strong bonds” by “bringing our alliance into the 21st century.”

“My visit to the United States, and more especially my meeting with President Joe Biden, is essential to advancing our national interests and strengthening that very important alliance,” the President said.

President Marcos said his visit builds on the “active exchanges” between the two countries, which include the chief executive’s bilateral meeting with US President Joseph Biden in New York last September, the visit to Manila of US Vice President Kamala Harris last November, as well as the numerous visits by senior officials on both sides.

Manila and Washington are also expected to bolster partnerships in the semiconductor industry, critical minerals, renewable and clean energy, including nuclear, and infrastructure projects “that will improve our digital and telecommunication systems and facilitate sustainability efforts to address climate change,” President said.

The President is also expected to meet with American business leaders to further promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

In these roundtable meetings, President Marcos will be joined by his economic team as well as key Filipino private sector leaders to explore business opportunities “that would serve to grow our economy even more.”
While in Washington, the President will also meet the Filipino community “who continue to contribute towards the country’s economic prosperity.” (PND)