President Marcos is banking on tourism to strengthen political, economic and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam.
As Marcos departed Manila for Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday, May 28, for a state visit, he said he will entice and attract tourists there to explore the Philippines through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between the two nations.
He said such cooperation is among the key priorities that developed from the 3rd Philippines-Brunei Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation that was held in August 2023.
"As mentioned in my State of the Nation Address last year, tourism continues to be an important economic engine of our growth, employing at least five million of our kababayans (fellow countrymen)," Marcos said in his pre-departure speech.
"(With respect to) Brunei, despite having a relatively small population, it is the quality of tourists and not the quantity that counts," he added.
Marcos also said he will engage with business communities in the sultanate—one of the wealthiest countries in the world—as he looks forward to securing investments that will generate more jobs and alleviate poverty in the Philippines.
Marcos will be on a one-day official visit to Brunei upon the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah.
There, he will discuss with Bolkiah various areas of cooperation that will also include agriculture and security.
"Brunei has always been an important partner when it comes to defense cooperation with the Philippines. So, during my trip, I will discuss with His Majesty ways for further cooperation with Brunei in ensuring the defense of our countries and of our region," he said.