PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Monday from his working visit in Singapore with “stronger partnership, new investment, and greater opportunities for Filipinos.”
In a video message, Marcos highlighted his participation in the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference and his engagement with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, where they discussed ways of “sustaining momentum” as the Philippines hands over the Asean chairmanship to Singapore.
“As our term as Asean Chair draws to a close and we prepare to hand over to Singapore next month, these back-to-back engagements could not be more timely,” he said.
At the Forbes Global CEO Conference, Marcos showcased the country’s economic priorities and prospects to about 470 business leaders, CEOs, and policymakers.
“I shared how we are growing our exports and making it easier to do business through tax incentives, digital reforms, and major investments such as the $20 billion Luzon Economic Corridor,” he said.
The president also stressed the need to build up the country’s research and development, expand regional digital cooperation, combat corruption, and build stronger international economic partnerships.
“I spoke of our drive to move up the technology ladder into research and development and to lead in regional digital cooperation, supported by a young, highly skilled, English-speaking, and tech-savvy workforce,” he said.
Addressing concerns about corruption, Marcos said accountability continues to be among his administration’s top priorities, along with asserting the country’s jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea amid increasing tensions with China.
After visiting the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, Marcos emphasized the importance of preparing the country’s energy supply.
“I am confident that the interest shown by investors in these engagements will bring more high-value investments, partnerships, technology, and jobs to the Philippines, particularly in sectors that will support our long-term growth and transformation,” he said.
His administration “will keep studying all viable options for our long-term energy security and build the technical capability to make informed decisions for our future,” he added.
Marcos was in Singapore for five days.
