President Marcos Jr. at the Newark International Airport | Photo Presidential Communications Office
NEW YORK — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in New York on Sunday afternoon, March 8 (local time), marking the start of a three‑day working visit centered on high‑level engagements at the United Nations and meetings with U.S. business leaders. The President’s aircraft, PR001, landed at 2:45 p.m. at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Marcos was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta‑Marcos and a lean Philippine delegation. They were welcomed on the tarmac by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and Permanent Representative to the UN Enrique Manalo, who will join the President in several UN‑related activities.
Cabinet Members on the Trip
While Malacañang has not released a full delegation list, the PCO confirmed that Marcos will be joined in his UN meetings by “select Cabinet members” during his bilateral with UN Secretary‑General António Guterres. The Palace has not yet identified them individually, consistent with earlier guidance that delegation details would be disclosed closer to the engagements.
UN Engagements Begin Monday
Marcos’ first major event takes place Monday morning, March 9, when he delivers a speech at the opening of the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The President is expected to highlight the Philippines’ work on women’s rights, peacebuilding, and the Bangsamoro peace process.
“This is an opportunity to share the best practices of the Philippines,” Marcos said before departing Manila. “Our achievements in Women, Peace, and Security and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao can be shared with the UN and the global community, as we vie for non‑permanent membership in the UN Security Council.”
Following his CSW address, Marcos will proceed to a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary‑General António Guterres, where he is expected to raise issues of global security, multilateral cooperation, and the Philippines’ candidacy for the 2027–2028 UN Security Council (UNSC) term.
Business Meetings and Economic Pitch
On Monday afternoon, the President will meet with two major U.S. firms to promote investment opportunities in the Philippines. The PCO said these engagements are part of the administration’s continuing effort to strengthen economic partnerships and attract foreign capital.
UN General Assembly Speech on March 10
On Tuesday, March 10, Marcos will deliver a message before a special plenary session of the UN General Assembly. He said he intends to “share the aspirations of the Filipino people for peace and solidarity” and will “call for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law” amid rising global tensions.
The President will also attend a reception supporting the Philippines’ UNSC bid, underscoring what he described as the country’s “shared responsibility” for global peace.
“This candidature is about shared responsibility. It is about ensuring that the voice of the Philippines — and of developing countries — is heard at the highest forum of global peace and security,” he said.
Return to Manila
The President is expected to wrap up his engagements late Tuesday before flying back to Manila. The PCO said additional activities may be added to the schedule depending on final UN coordination.
