President Marcos Allocates Time to Connect with the Filipino Community in Los Angeles
Photo from pco.gov.ph
Los Angeles, November 18, 2023 - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the 17th president of the Philippines visited the the Filipino community in Los Angeles California, and gave an inspiring message to everyone. The president and other government officials attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting which spanned from November 11-17, 2023. As the APEC meeting came to an end, the president decided to take time from his busy schedule and go to Southern California, which he referred to as the home to the biggest Filipino diaspora.
The meeting commenced with opening remarks given by the Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manual G. Romualdez. He emphasized that by visiting LA, the president gave importance to the welfare of the Filipinos wherever they may be around the world.
Distinguished officials that were present during the event included Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry Fred Pascual, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Uy, and several other key leaders.
During the president’s message, the president gave emphasis to the importance of attending meetings like APEC because he believed that it would bear fruit in terms of more trade and foreign direct investments that would help propel our economy to greater levels of development and prosperity for the Filipino people. The president addressed their priority towards sustainable development and urged to address the issue of climate change and build resilience against the consequences of harsh weather
Despite the amount of support the president received from the Filipino community in LA, there were also a number of people who protested against his visit. Many Filipino Americans voiced out their concerns about the Marcos-Duterte administration in the Philippines. Those who opposed to both Marcos and Duterte, two prominent family dynasties in Philippine politics raised concerns regarding human rights violations that the two families had been accused of and the possibility of history repeating itself.
The protesters advocate for a democratic and accountable government with better leaders. These reflect the diverse range of opinions Filipinos have regarding their political leaders.
Other issues that President Marcos is trying to address include pushing for investments in clean energy, affordable energy transition finance, food security, better broadband connection, making use of modern technology, and research and development for the benefit of small-scale farmers and business owners.
In terms of modern technology, the president mentioned that the vast archipelago of the Philippines is an ideal candidate for satellite broadband service and he looks forward to improving broadband connectivity in the Philippines through Starlink and other collaborations.
The president also shared one of his goals - to make working overseas just one of many options available to Filipinos.
In conclusion, President Marcos encouraged the Filipinos who reside in LA to visit their motherland.
“If you have not visit the Philippines for a long time, now is the time to visit our country once again”, the president said while also encouraging the people to bring along their friends to the Philippines to show them our magnificent country and improve tourism.
The president also emphasized the importance of keeping the Filipino heritage alive within each and every one of the people present and the generations to come.
“Continue proudly claim and celebrate your Filipino identity and heritage, teach them to your children, to your grandchildren. Pass on your love of the Philippines to the next generation and the generation after that .”
President Ferdinand Marcos Junior serves and will continue to serve the people of his country. The numerous amount of attendees showed how much the Filipino people sustain and support the leaders of their country and will continue to do so.
Watch the President Marcos’ speech during the event here: