Says even small business will help
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday asked Filipinos abroad not just to continue supporting his administration but also to start investing in the Philippines no matter how small the investment is.
The President, during his meeting with the members of the Filipino community in the United States and Canada, held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in New Jersey in the US, also thanked them for their support in the May 2022 elections and their continuing support for his administration.
Marcos also acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions they made, especially the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), not just for their families but also for the country. He said their remittances help support the economy’s recovery from the health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said some 10 million Filipinos are all over the world, and as President, he knows fully well the “significant impact of the Philippine diaspora on our motherland, especially in terms of supporting our post-pandemic economic recovery.”
Marcos asked them to continue investing in the country, be it through remittances that they sent, doing travel tours in the country, or through lots or condominium units that they purchase in the country, or building businesses such as “sari-sari” or convenience stores or small eateries.
“All of you are enjoined to continue investing in the Philippines. Do not stop buying condominium units and other real estate back home. Invest and open businesses – maliit, malaki, sari-sari store, malaking kompanya, lahat pwede. Makakatulong lahat ‘yun (Invest and open businesses — small, big, convenience store, big company, everything. All can help),” he said.
“This will all contribute to creating much-needed jobs and build a better life for all our people. And if you know someone who is interested in opening a business in the Philippines, let our embassies or our consulates know so we can pursue and finally close the deal. As I said, every little bit counts,” he added.
Marcos encouraged them to list down three things they can do for the country and commit themselves to making those happen.
He also called for unity, his battle cry during the campaign.
“We have a long and bumpy road, full of risks and perils ahead of us as we face this turbulent time in global history. But as your President, I remain confident that with your three things, no matter how small they are, those three things will make us succeed if we all agree to unite and to work together. Kaya’t pagkakaisa pa rin ang ating sigaw (Unity is still our battle cry),” he added.
WORKING VISIT, UNGA
The President also reported to the Filipinos that he is in New York to deliver the Philippine statement at the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday (Tuesday before dawn in Manila) about the country’s vision of a people-centered development, and about highlighting his administration’s thrust for recovery after years of pandemic-induced lockdowns.
Marcos is also set to talk about the post-coronavirus plans as well as what the Philippines can contribute to world recovery, as he affirmed the country’s commitment to the ideals of the UN, citing the latter’s role in fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
Marcos is set to hold meetings with world leaders at the sidelines of the UNGA. He said he is hoping to have a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the sidelines of UNGA.
He will also meet with 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 because we want our economy to improve, and to attract new investments. If there are new investments, there will be new businesses, and new jobs,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.
In his speech, the President also recalled how his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and his mother, Imelda Marcos, had addressed the UN when he was younger, and time he spent in the US when he was studying, and when he met his wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Prior to Marcos’ arrival at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, members of the group “Malaya Movement” held a rally to decry alleged human rights violations during the presidency of the elder Marcos.
The President’s visit to the US and UN address coincides with the week of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines.
Among those who joined the President in the event with the Filipino community were House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic and Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Felipe Medalla, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople, and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
Also among those present were Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, Araneta-Marcos, presidential son, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Presidential Management Staff Secretary Naida Angping.
