News
PBBM to tackle pandemic recovery in UNGA speech
MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is slated to discuss his administration’s plans for the Philippines’ recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, when he addresses the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Sept. 20.
This, as Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos’ UNGA speech will focus on the Philippine government’s interventions, including international cooperation, to fast-track the country’s recovery from the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.
“In this case, the President’s primary objective and in fact, his main policy in his governance, in this administration, is economic recovery. And so, all activities, particularly even those presidential activities, are related to this particular vision,” Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace press briefing.
“So, we are going to expect that his speech will be relating to how the Philippines will be recovering from this pandemic and where he intends to take this, and how he will do so in cooperation with other states,” she added.
Marcos is set to fly to the United States on Sept. 18 for his UNGA participation, Cruz-Angeles said.
The 77th session of the UNGA, which will take place in New York City, will present an opportunity for world leaders to offer solutions to the pressing global issues, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
No other scheduled activities
Marcos’ upcoming visit to the US will be his third overseas trip this month and since he assumed the presidency.
Quizzed if Marcos has a scheduled meeting with other state leaders on the sidelines of the event, Cruz-Angeles said there are “no plans” yet.
“There’s no indication of a scheduled visit or meeting, other than what has already been announced,” Cruz-Angeles said. “We will be making final announcement when we get to New York, as the occasion arises.”
Cruz-Angeles, however, raised the possibility that Marcos might meet with the members of the Filipino community in New York City.
“The primary purpose will still be [his participation] in the [UN] General Assembly. That is the main purpose of the trip. There are no announcements or no calendared activities other than that and those congruent or collateral to this address, well of course, aside from what he usually does – meeting with the Filipino community when opportunity arises,” she said.
Marcos will return to the country on Sept. 24, Cruz-Angeles said.