President Marcos back after ‘productive’ Japan trip

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has secured several business commitments expected to boost the country’s tourism, draw more foreign investment and create more jobs, President Marcos said yesterday upon his return from a working visit to Osaka.

In his arrival statement, Marcos described his trip to Japan as “productive.”

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the President and his delegation arrived in Manila at 5:55 p.m. yesterday.

“We return inspired to continue building a Bagong Pilipinas that delivers more jobs, more investments and more opportunities for every Filipino,” Marcos said.

Marcos and members of his delegation attended the World Expo 2025, which aims to bring together people and innovations from around the world “to address issues facing humankind on a global scale.”

The expo, which began last April 13 and will end on Oct. 13 was held at Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. The event has been described as “a space where eight billion people from around the world will not only view exhibits but will co-create future society.”

Marcos’ attendance to the World Expo 2025 was the highlight of his trip to Osaka, although he also had a number of business meetings.

During the expo, Marcos visited the Philippine Pavilion that showcased the “largest collaboration” of Filipino weavers, with over 200 handwoven panels created by master artisans, according to Malacañang.

The President also went to the Japan Pavilion.

Japanese tourism stakeholders were among groups that met with Marcos in Osaka.

Present during the meeting were representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency, Japan Association of Travel Agents Kansai / JTB West Japan Area Representative, Japan Philippines Tourism Council, Kansai Regional Division, HIS Co. Ltd., Nippon Travel Agency, Hankyu Travel International Co. Ltd., Kansai Airports, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Marcos also met with executives of Japan’s Kanadevia Corp. to discuss a waste-to-energy project that seeks to turn thousands of tons of Manila’s waste into clean energy.

He also had an engagement with officials of leading shipbuilder Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, which will build the world’s first methanol dual-fuelled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier in Cebu.

Marcos met with executives of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which are eyeing a collaboration with the Philippine Space Agency “to use space technology that helps protect and improve the lives of Filipinos.”