Manila – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines met with the Filipino community in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sunday (Manila time), lauding their significant contributions to the economic development of the United States island state.
According to Philippines News Agency, during his speech at the Hawaii Convention Center, Marcos emphasized the substantial role Filipinos have played in various sectors of Hawaii, including tourism, health, education, business, and political representation. He noted the impact of Filipino cuisine and culture on Hawaiian society, stating, "With 25 percent of the population of the state of Hawaii having roots in the Philippines, our rich and diverse culture has become deeply intertwined in the social fabric of the Aloha state."
Marcos commended the Filipino community for creating a positive image of the Philippines in Hawaii. He acknowledged the success of both second- and third-generation Filipinos in the state, as well as recent migrants, as an integral part of Hawaiian society.
The President also expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the Filipino community during his election campaign and for the assistance provided to his family during their stay in Hawaii. He reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his administration's goals, highlighting the Philippines' strong economic growth and resilience against external risks and challenges.
Marcos pointed out that the Philippines had performed commendably compared to other countries in the region and stressed the importance of the active participation of all sectors, including overseas Filipinos, in achieving a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Philippines.
The visit to Hawaii marks the final stop in President Marcos' weeklong trip to the United States. His itinerary in Honolulu includes a visit to the US Indo-Pacific Command headquarters, a capability orientation at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam/West Philippines Sea Support, a barge tour and wreath-laying ceremony, and a roundtable meeting at the Daniel Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies.