President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to the United States on Sunday morning to join more than 100 world leaders at the 77th United Nations General Assembly on 20 September in New York.

"The UN is where the countries of the world congregate to discuss the most pressing challenges facing our people. Thus, it is important for us to participate in the General Assembly and to make certain that our voice is heard," Marcos said in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

The Chief Executive will be accompanied by his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and some government officials.

Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte, who will serve as the country's officer-in-charge until Marcos returns on 24 September, was on hand during the departure ceremony. Also in attendance were Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla and Armed Forces chief of staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

Duterte's designation as OIC was announced by Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles.

During the UNGA, Marcos said he will deliver the national statement which will outline the country's expectations of the UN as well as the country's contributions to strengthening the international system.

He said he will share the country's vision of "people-centered development, highlighting his administration's thrust for economic recovery, food security, and agricultural productivity" and reaffirming the country's commitment to the ideals of the intergovernmental organization.

"Thirdly, present a crisis facing our world as opportunities for our nations to take meaningful action, rooted and united by a common purpose to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development," he added.

Marcos is set to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders of long-standing and important partners of the Philippines.

"I will discuss with them opportunities for stronger cooperation in food security, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change which are among the key priorities of this administration," he said.
While in New York, Marcos said he will attend business engagements and meet with the Filipino community.

"I will participate in business activities to forge more partnerships to advance our national and economic sustainable development in general," he added.

Romualdez sees huge benefits

The visit of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to the United States, a major trading partner, will bring investment opportunities for the country, according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

"I expect the US visit to reap a lot of benefits for our country and the more than four million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans living or working in America," said Romualdez who is accompanying the Chief Executive.

Marcos left Sunday for the United States to participate in the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Citing the President's recent successful trips to Indonesia and Singapore, which resulted in over $14 billion pledges from the two countries' businessmen, Romualdez said he has high hopes because of the two countries' historic links.

The House leader said apart from being the Philippines' major trading partner, the US is also the biggest source of remittances from overseas Filipino workers and Filipino-Americans.

"They contribute a significant part to the amount of foreign exchange our country and economy need each year, and especially this year when we are recovering from the crippling Covid-19 pandemic," he stressed.

According to Romualdez, based on the latest report of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances from Filipinos working overseas climbed by 2.3 percent year on year to reach $3.17 billion in July from $3.17 billion in the corresponding month of 2021.

The US remained the biggest source of cash remittances, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

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