President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for New York on Sunday to participate in engagements at the United Nations (UN), where he is expected to raise concerns over the escalating crisis in the Middle East and rally broader support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

The plane carrying Marcos and his delegation took off from Manila at 10:22 a.m., according to Malacañang.

Joining the President on the trip are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

Marcos is scheduled to attend engagements at the UN headquarters from March 9 to 10.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Angelica Escalona earlier said the President would tackle developments in the Middle East during his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Escalona said Marcos will also reiterate the Philippines’ commitment to the UN and the principle of multilateralism.

She noted that the UN provides the most appropriate platform for the President to call for peace in the Middle East and the protection of civilians, including overseas Filipinos in the region.

Marcos is also set to address a special session of the UN General Assembly, where he will seek broader international support for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

The Philippines previously served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 1957, 1963, 1980–1981, and 2004–2005.

The President will likewise speak at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the principal UN body promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The trip marks Marcos’ sixth visit to the United States since assuming office in 2022. (PNA)