News Release

PBBM says US trip a ‘very good start’ to advancing country’s interest on the global stage


President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. reported a productive weeklong trip to the United States after he arrived early Sunday morning, saying he has successfully advanced the country’s interest on the global stage.

“We in the Philippine delegation are one in our assessment that the work done in this trip serves as a good start for opportunities identified to be made into programs and projects to benefit the Philippines and our countrymen,” President Marcos said in his arrival statement.

“And so, the work continues, but I am happy to report that we have had a very good and strong start to our efforts.”

Among the highlights of the President’s visit to the US includes attending the 77th United Nations General Assembly and meeting world leaders and the American business community.

At the UN, the President delivered the Philippines’ national statement, articulating the country’s role in working with the global body to build a brighter future and a just and safer world.

He tackled global issues that require united global action, such as climate change, rising food prices, rapid technological change, the peaceful resolution of international disputes, migrant protection, and ending all forms of prejudice. 

The President also shared the Philippines’ experience in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) peace process, agricultural rejuvenation, and the promotion of human rights through the UN Joint Program on Human Rights.

He likewise reiterated the Philippines’ belief in the primacy of the rule of law, as embodied by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS.

Marcos also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and reaffirmed the partnership between the Philippines and the UN.

As UN’s founding member, the Philippine leader said he conveyed his intention to enhance the country’s role in UN peacekeeping operations, especially in the Middle East, where there’s a large concentration of OFWs.

He then extended an invitation to the Secretary-General to visit the Philippines in the near future. 

During the conference at the UN, the President held formal and informal bilateral meetings with leaders of the country’s key partners, such as the US and Japan, and shared with them the priorities in addressing food and energy security, climate change, and other issues.

He also had meetings with a number of business leaders from different US companies, who committed to being a part of the Philippines’ development and economic growth.

 “Together, we will be working on addressing some of our key economic challenges, particularly once again climate change, food security, energy security, to name but a few,” he said.

The President also delivered a keynote address at the New York Stock Exchange and at the Philippine Economic Briefing, which drew institutional investors, senior corporate executives, fund managers, and entrepreneurs. 

At the same time, his delegation hosted four CEO roundtable discussions dealing with IT-BPM, digital infrastructure, global brands, particularly in garments and apparel, and industry and infrastructure.  

Prior to returning to the Philippines, he had a roundtable discussion with a select group of leaders of the US business community on the state of today’s global and regional economy.

While in the US, the President also met the Filipino community there and thanked them for their work and contributions to the Philippines and the US. 

He expressed his respect and admiration for their commitment to the future and welfare of their families in the Philippines and shared with them the administration’s priorities aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos.  (PND)