Good morning to everyone.

Vice President Sara Duterte; Department of Justice Secretary Remulla and all the other members of the Cabinet that are here today with us; the very distinguished guests; and the Pasay City lone district Representative Antonino G. Calixto [Is he around?]; and our Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro and other major service commanders, for everyone’s information, the Chief of Staff is celebrating his birthday today [applause]; PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr.; and of course, the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos; and other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

I depart today to participate in the High-Level Week of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where I will also attend a number of bilateral meetings and business engagements and meet with, of course, the Filipino community.

The UN is where the countries of the world congregate to discuss the most pressing challenges facing our people. Thus, it is important for us to participate in the General Assembly and to make certain that our voice is heard.

I’ll be delivering – I will be delivering our national statement on the 20th of September in which I will outline our expectations of the United Nations and the work ahead, the role our country will play and our contributions to strengthening the international system.

The theme identified for the 77th UNGA is “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges” which aims to address unprecedented global trends, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, escalating conflicts that pose challenges to individual countries and the world community alike.

Taking this into account, I will, one, share the Philippines’ vision in people-centered development, highlighting our administration’s thrust for economic recovery, food security, and agricultural productivity.

We affirm the country’s commitment to the ideals of the UN, citing its contributions to peaceful settlement of disputes and of international law and the highlighting the importance of the UN in fostering international dialogue and cooperation.

Thirdly, present a crisis facing our world as opportunities for our nations take meaningful action, rooted and united by a common purpose to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

During this visit, I will meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres and leaders of long-standing and important partners of the Philippines. I will discuss with them opportunities for stronger cooperation in food security, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change which are among the key priorities of this administration.

I will also participate in business activities to forge more partnerships to advance our national economic and sustainable development in general. I will be joined in these meetings by key private sector representatives who have been and will continue to be our partners in this endeavor. More vibrant PPPs will allow us to achieve the better normal that we all aspire for.

And of course, I will be visiting with the Filipino community there. I am told our kababayans as far as from Canada will participate in this gathering.

It will be my chance to thank them for their support, affirm their important role in the continuing work of nation-building and strengthen our cooperation on matters that redound to the benefit of Filipinos here at home and abroad.

Thank you very much and good morning. [applause]

— END —

Watch here: Departure Statement
Location: Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2