Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, California
November 13, 2023

“Since the President has assumed office, we have seen positive momentum in terms of our engagement with the U.S. in all aspects of our relations, especially in the economic cooperation, defense and security cooperation, and deeper engagement in various areas of our relations with the U.S.,” says Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, California, highlighting the most recent developments in Philippines-United States of America (USA) relations as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to embark on his third visit to the United States since assuming the Presidency.

The Consul General describes the vibrant Filipino Community in San Francisco, which is actively involved in healthcare, education, business and high technology sectors. He notes that remittances from this community to the Philippines are the highest among those coming from the United States. He adds that the Community is eagerly waiting for the President’s visit to the City, saying that he won the votes overwhelmingly in the Consulate’s areas of jurisdiction during the 2022 national elections.

As President Marcos Jr. prepares to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), Consul General Ferrer emphasizes that his participation in the Summit is of high importance. This includes his meetings with the business community, which are crucial in advancing the country’s interests in areas such as economy, food security, energy security, clean energy, and digitalization, among others.

“The Philippines, through the participation of the President, is making a big impact, not just in terms of our bilateral relations, but more so, the broader Asia-Pacific economic region,” he concludes during the interview.

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