PBBM to advance PH economic agenda in US visit – DFA

In Washington D.C., President Marcos will also deliver a major policy speech before a group of experts. (File photo: Bongbong Marcos/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will primarily pursue the administration’s economic agenda — particularly promoting the Philippines as an investment destination — during his official visit to the United States (US).

In a press briefing in Malacañang, DFA spokesperson Ma. Terersita Daza said Marcos’ trip to Washington D.C. from April 30 to May 4 will be aimed at reaffirming the defense ties between the Philippines and US, as well as advance efforts to forge economic partnerships.

During his visit, Marcos will meet with US President Joe Biden and key Cabinet officials.

“I think for this trip, there will be a heavy emphasis in terms of the economic agenda; how the President will actually work to advance his priorities in terms of agriculture and food security, in terms of infrastructure development, in terms of renewable energy and clean energy,” Daza said.

“So, there will be a lot of opportunities during the time that the President is in Washington, D.C. And I think he will cover various aspects of the relations. It’s not just defense and security; it will also be economic … promotion of economic interest and the like,” she added.

Daza said the President will also meet with major US companies and business groups “where he will actually be able to promote the Philippines” as a trading partner and investment market.

The President is also expected to meet members of the Filipino community “who represent the Philippine-American Diaspora in the United States numbering some 4.4 million.”

In Washington D.C., President Marcos will also deliver a major policy speech before a group of experts.

An official US State Department statement said during Marcos’ upcoming visit, “President Biden will reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines,” and the leaders will discuss efforts to strengthen the longstanding US-Philippines alliance.