PBBM seeks enhanced PH-US ties on economics, energy, agriculture

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed hope for an improved cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US) in the fields of economics, energy and agriculture.

Marcos bared his intent to strengthen Manila’s cooperation with Washington after his meeting with the US Congressional Delegation headed by Senator Edward Markey at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said it was a “pleasure” meeting the US lawmakers.

Marcos said he and the US Congressional Delegation also sought improved cooperation between the two countries to combat illegal drugs.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the US in the areas of renewable energy use, agricultural development, economic reform, and mitigation of drug problem,” he said.

Photos of Marcos’ meeting with Markey and the US Congressional Delegation were shared on the President’s official Facebook page.

The US government has been among the Philippine government’s strong partners in terms of aid and support.

The Philippines’ bid to increase the share of renewable energy among its sources got a boost following the Aug. 6 awarding of the US government’s grant to a local firm to develop up to three-gigawatt wind power capacity.

The grant, which was extended through the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), was given to Aboitiz Renewable Inc. to allow the latter to conduct a feasibility study to develop up to three gigawatts of the offshore wind project.

The USTDA has provided funding for several projects involving smart grids, renewable power generation, distributed energy, and energy storage systems, according to the data from the US Department of State.

Also on Aug. 6, the US and the Philippines agreed to continue talks on ensuring food security for the Southeast Asian nations amid global supply disruptions driven by climate crisis, the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

The two countries also acknowledged the importance of human rights and democracy under the watch of Marcos, Manalo said.

Malacañang on Aug. 11 vowed that the Marcos administration will adhere to the rule of law while sustaining the fight against illegal drugs.