President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed openness to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Hawaii, particularly in the tourism sector.

Marcos made the pronouncement during a meeting with a delegation from the Pacific Century Fellow (PCF) in Malacañang.

The PCF is a group of established and emerging leaders in Hawaii. It was founded by former Honolulu mayor and current president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association Mufi Hannemann, who was part of the delegation.

“It is always a pleasure for me to welcome our friends from Hawaii, especially when the purpose of your visit is to continue to find ways to interact even more closely with the Philippines considering, of course, that the Filipino population in Hawaii is a significant one,” Marcos said during their meeting.

“So, thank you for making time to visit with me. And I hope we will have a fruitful discussion where we can explore what we can do to further what already are close relations between not just the United States but specifically Hawaii and the Philippines.”

Hannemann said the group is looking to discuss more ways to boost the tourism industry of the Philippines and Hawaii.

“And I just wanted to say that there are many opportunities for us to work together. And it’s not just because I wear a tourism hat but I really would like to see how we can work with (Tourism) Secretary (Christina) Garcia-Frasco to see how we can increase tourism both of Philippines to Hawaii and Hawaii to the Philippines,” Hannemann told the President.

“I think there are major opportunities that exist to do that. We know United Airlines has increased the air service here but I think (there’s) an opportunity for Alaska Airlines to rejuvenate what Hawaiian airlines used to do. So, we see many beneficial opportunities there. So, we’re just here today to again express our gratitude and appreciation to you.”

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Hannemann is an active supporter of the Filipino community in Hawaii.

He pushed for the advancement and promotion of Filipinos in the tourism industry workforce and appointed many Filipinos to his Cabinet and various boards and commissions.

The PCF delegation is in the country to conduct different humanitarian activities, as well as to strengthen relationships with different sectors by seeking opportunities to learn the country’s agriculture, economy, and tourism, among others. (PNA)