SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez hailed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. for securing significant investment pledges worth $672.3 million and opening cooperation areas of particular importance to the Philippines.

Romualdez said the $672.3 million in pledges is a testament to the international community’s confidence in the President’s leadership and it shows his dedication to advancing the economic interests of the Philippines and fostering partnerships on the global stage.

“President Marcos Jr.’s adept leadership and diplomatic prowess were evident in the significant investment commitments garnered and making inroads for mutually beneficial cooperation with various sectors in the United States,” Romualdez said.

In a press briefing Saturday afternoon at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii, President Marcos noted that while the amount of investment pledges were not as in the billions as those secured in his other trips abroad, these are in “areas we are very concerned about” such as in technology, health care, energy, and security.

The President noted that this was achieved on the sidelines of his participation in the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, California.

Romualdez cited, among others, the agreements forged during the President’s US trip would provide internet connectivity to remote areas of the country through a dedicated satellite and improved healthcare, particularly for cancer patients.

There were also agreements signed that opened the possibility of utilizing nuclear power for a cheaper and more reliable supply of electricity and AI-powered systems for improved weather prediction and resilience from the effects of climate change.

Likewise, Marcos said he had talks with tech firms interested in helping achieve his vision for digitalization and making the Philippines a hub for technological innovation and excellence.

“There is no doubt that these investment pledges and the materialization of partnerships arising from the exploratory talks on the sidelines of the APEC Summit will have a positive impact on job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic growth of the country,” the Speaker added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas