Marcos back in Manila, vows to build on APEC gains

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday vowed to build on the gains from the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea to turn new partnerships into tangible economic benefits for the Philippines.

In his arrival speech, Marcos urged Filipinos to “carry forward the momentum” from his participation in the APEC meeting, where he also held bilateral meetings South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chilean President Gabriel Boric on the sidelines.

He also met with top executives from Korean conglomerates during his trip abroad.

“As we return home, let us all carry forward the momentum that we have built, translating our commitments and agreements into tangible results, forging lasting partnerships and ensuring that the Asia-Pacific region continues to thrive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he said.

Marcos said he advanced the Philippines’ priorities at the summit. including narrowing the digital divide for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by promoting equitable access to digital services and financial inclusion, and advancing seamless movements of goods and people through infrastructure development.

He also pushed for supply chain resiliency amid global shocks and promoted digital literacy and upskilling for MSMEs, women, and other segments whose full economic potential can be realized through digitalization.

In separate meetings with Lee and Boric, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations and to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interests.

Marcos also announced the signing of a supplemental deal between the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines, valued at over P50 billion. The agreement is expected to generate more than 3,000 high-technology jobs for Filipino engineers and technicians.

The Korean firm also committed to train Filipinos and establish R&D centers, including partnerships with some Philippine universities.

Other world leaders present at the APEC Meeting included United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom Marcos briefly shook hands.