Marcos departs Manila for APEC Summit in South Korea

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday left Manila to participate in the 32nd APEC Summit in South Korea.

Marcos said that he would showcase the Philippines' commitment to fostering economic partnership with other nations as well as pursuing digital transformation in his remarks at the APEC CEO Summit.

“I intend to showcase the Philippines' commitment to fostering economic partnerships and promoting a favorable business climate, aligned with our government’s vision of building a strong, innovation-driven economy,” Marcos said in his departure speech. 

“We will highlight how we are pursuing digital transformation as a core pillar of our development, fully recognizing the potential of new technologies to unlock a prosperous and more resilient future,” he added.

Part of Marcos' delegation are Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.

Marcos’ participation in the APEC Summit would be centered on advancing the Philippine’s economic interests as he aims to forge deeper ties with APEC members and reaffirm the country’s commitment to the entities’ vision of a more open, prosperous and dynamic Asia-Pacific. 

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs said four outcome documents are expected to be secured during the Summit. 

Apart from the APEC activities, Marcos will also meet with members of the Filipino community in Busan. 

He will also have meetings with various business leaders and executives, which are expected to boost manufacturing and semiconductor investments. 

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Education Secretary Sonny Angara are the country's caretakers while the President is in South Korea. —VAL, GMA Integrated News