NEW JERSEY — Straight from a 16-hour flight from Manila, Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. showed up at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Sunday to meet Filipinos based on the East Coast.
Speaking mostly in Filipino, the Chief Executive cited the role of overseas Filipino workers in pandemic recovery.
"Your remittances that you send not only help your families but also the economy. You did not only help but also give life to the economy," Marcos said before the cheering crowd.
"We have over 10 million kababayans all over the world, and as your President, I understand and know fully well the significant impact of the Philippine diaspora on our motherland, especially in terms of supporting our post-pandemic economic recovery."
Marcos also took the opportunity to recognize the Filipino healthcare workers who "bravely fought the unexpected crisis" and chose to "care for the sick" despite risking their lives during the pandemic.
The United States is home to around four million Filipinos and Filipino-American citizens, according to Ambassador Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez.
Filipinos see hope in Marcos
Many of those who trooped to the venue were clad in barong and Filipiniana dress.
Teddy Moog, a physical therapy aide working in New Jersey for 15 years, called himself a Marcos loyalist.
"I'm very happy to see the President," said Moog, quickly breaking into tears. "I believe that he deserves to be the president who can uplift the lives of every Filipino."
Ana Maria Torres, a 58-year-old registered nurse, said she expects a lot from the Chief Executive who she said must match the achievements of his late namesake father.
Recalling the time that her father was serving in the military, Torres said she knew nothing but good things from the late former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Sandro takes spotlight
The President and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, arrived at the Newark Liberty International Airport at 11:53 a.m. on Sunday.
During the meeting with the Filipino community, Marcos introduced the government officials one by one but left out his son, neophyte Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
"Lastly, I no longer want to introduce. I lose relevance when he's here," the President said in the vernacular, drawing big cheers.
"Before, they were cheering him because I thought he was cute. Now, I don't find him cute. I feel bad, so go ahead," Marcos gestured at his smiling son.
The Chief Executive, a music lover, brought the house down when he joined five OFWs in a song number.
New York is a special place
Marcos said he met his future wife in New York.
"I courted her for three years. It's been a long time since we returned here — 25 years. She worked as a lawyer for six or seven years," he recalled.
"We met inside the court while I was waiting for the case of my mother. She was visiting a friend who was our lawyer," Marcos narrated. "Sandro, you should thank New York. Without it, you would not be around."
Marcos to speak at UN general assembly
Marcos is in the US to deliver the Philippine national statement at the 77th United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
His speech will cover the country's vision of people-centered development, highlighting his administration's thrust for recovery after years of pandemic-induced lockdowns.
"I am also here to make sure to explain where the Philippines is and what it intends to do in the future, how to fix the economy," he noted in Filipino.
The President affirmed the Philippines' commitment to the ideals of the UN, citing its role in fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
Marcos said he will also share the country's views on various global concerns as well as "the role the Philippines will play as a responsible member of the family of nations in addressing these concerns."
Meetings with world leaders set
During his trip, Marcos will also meet with various world leaders, business people, and potential investors and speak before economic briefings in New York.
"In the coming days, so besides the meetings with the political leadership, it will also be for potential investors, other business leaders," said Marcos, citing the need to lure investments to the country.
Among those who joined the chief executive on his trip are Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, National Economic Development Authority Secretary Arce Balisacan, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Felipe Medalla, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Public Works and Health Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Migrant Workers Secretary Toots Ople, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Naida Angping, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
