President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Wednesday evening following his state visit to the United States, bringing with him reported investment pledges amounting to $21 billion.
In a press release issued by the government, the Marcos administration announced that the pledged investments are expected to boost the country’s job generation efforts and invigorate its economy.
The pledges reportedly span key industries such as infrastructure, logistics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
“We return to the Philippines with over USD21 billion in investment pledges that have the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos within our country,” the President said.
Marcos also highlighted the strengthened confidence of U.S. firms in the Philippine business climate, as well as renewed cooperation in expanding clean energy and industrial capacity.
Among the commitments secured during the trip was a $15-million pledge from the U.S. government to support private sector development under the Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative, along with an additional $48 million earmarked for foreign-assisted development projects.
“We welcome the U.S. government’s pledge of an additional $15 million for private sector development under the Luzon economic corridor initiative and an additional $48 million in foreign-assisted projects,” President Marcos said.
The visit also reinforced the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, particularly in matters concerning defense and maritime security.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, amid continued tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“We reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Marcos stated.
“I thank the United States for its consistent support for the preservation of regional peace and stability and for upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea.”
President Marcos arrived at 10:07 PM, accompanied by key delegates who were part of his official visit and engagements with U.S. President Donald Trump.