Marcos lauds, thanks Pinoys in US

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. arrived late Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila) in San Francisco, California, bringing with him one of the biggest delegations for a foreign trip during which he will pursue means to strengthen the country’s economy, among others.

The main purpose of the trip, his third to the US as president, is to attend the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2023.

The President spoke before the Filipino community in San Francisco shortly after
he arrived at 5:06 p.m. (9:06 am in Manila). He introduced some of the members of his delegation, which took about a third of his speech, and explained the purpose of their inclusion in his trip. It is not yet certain how many are part of the delegation but it includes Cabinet members, especially the economic team, lawmakers, and businessmen.

“This is probably the biggest delegation that we have brought for a conference because it is very important. We have a lot of issues to take up with our friends, not just with US but with other nations,” he said in Filipino.

He said aside from the economic aspect including trade and investments, recent world developments world would also be raised during the visit, like Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war that started just last month. He also pointed to the Philippines’ “problem” in the South China Sea.

“It is important for us to talk with our allies the allied nations that are helping us,” he said.

The President thanked Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the US for their contributions to both the Philippines and the US, as well as their successes that bring honor to the country.

Marcos said several Filipinos had won statewide elective positions in the US, while others are recognized like Bay Area’s Sarina Bolden, for making history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the Philippines’ first-ever goal scorer at a Soccer World Cup.

He also commended Filipino-Americans in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley who are now active partners in Philippine development and nation-building, as well as Filipino nurses, doctors, first responders and other essential workers who provided care especially during the pandemic.

He also recognized the overseas