Malacañang on Monday confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will proceed with his scheduled working visit to the United States next week, despite escalating tensions in the Middle East and the recent death of a Filipina caregiver in Israel.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa pong pagbabago sa schedule,” Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing on March 2, when asked if developments abroad would affect the President’s trip.
Marcos earlier confirmed that Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, a caregiver from Pangasinan, was killed in Israel while assisting her ward to a bomb shelter during ongoing exchanges of attacks involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to affected Filipinos in the region.
Details of Marcos’ US Visit:
- Dates: March 8–11, 2026
- Location: New York City
- Engagements: Participation in the opening of the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which runs from March 9–20.
- Delivery of a message at a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
- Meetings with UN officials as part of multilateral discussions.
The CSW serves as the UN’s principal intergovernmental body focused on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, while UNGA special sessions provide a platform for world leaders to present national positions on urgent global concerns.
Marcos first addressed the UNGA in 2022, highlighting climate action, food security, and respect for international law. He is expected to reiterate the Philippines’ stance on key global issues during his upcoming visit.