Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday vowed to work harder to expand the economic security relations between the Philippines and the United States following a meeting with California’s 40th congressional district Rep. Young Kim at the US Capitol along with members of his delegation.

Romualdez’s meeting with Kim, who chairs the US House’s Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, centered on defense and security engagement – a key pillar of the Philippines-US bilateral relations, according to a news release from the Speaker’s office.

During the meeting, Romualdez and his delegation asked for continued US congressional support for “defense and economic security.”

“On top of our strong military security with the United States, Rep. Kim has vowed to work with us to further strengthen and expand the country’s economic security with them. This partnership will boost productivity, drive economic growth, and generate new jobs,” Romualdez said.

The Philippine House leader noted that economic security became a more pressing concern following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have to work together by expanding and prioritizing our investments. Fostering economic cooperation and facilitating trade are keys for long-term growth and stability,” he said. “This move would further enhance trade and investment cooperation and create opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Romualdez also made sure to ask about the status of Filipinos in Kim’s district, which includes the northern parts of Orange County, with a Filipino population estimated to be 89,000 in 2018.

Romualdez said a delegation to be headed by Rep. Kim will visit the Philippines around November this year to solidify their agreement to expand PH-US economic cooperation.

“Our strong strategic economic partnership will enhance economic cooperation that is very important for sustainable growth and development,” he added.

Romualdez was accompanied in his meeting by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Navotas City Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco, Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose “Joboy” S. Aquino II, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” del Gallego Romualdez, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco, and House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon C. Taas.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Romualdez said the fruitful meeting will help expand economic engagement to build a resilient Philippine economy.

“There is no doubt that our security alliance with the US played a key role, but it is clear that ensuring economic security is equally critical in order to build a resilient and inclusive economy that will strengthen both the Philippines and the United States,” he said.

“Solidifying our alliance through more trade and investments can increase commerce, empower our people and ensure a peaceful, secure, and prosperous environment for all of us,” Ambassador Romualdez said. (PNA)