Phnom Penh, Cambodia — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. began his State Visit on September 7, 2025 to Cambodia by expressing sincere appreciation to Filipino citizens residing in the country for their significant contributions to both the Philippines and Cambodia.
“You represent so powerfully a premium, world-class Filipino brand that embodies heroism,” President Marcos said during his meeting with the Filipino community shortly after his arrival in Phnom Penh for a three-day State Visit.
These citizens, numbering over 7,500, primarily work in education and service sectors, playing a vital role in the economic and socio-cultural development of both nations.
“Hindi lamang kayo bayani ng inyong mga pamilya. Kayo rin ay bayani ng kapos-palad dito sa Cambodia na binabahagian ninyo ng mga bunga ng sarili ninyong paghihirap,” the President added, addressing the crowd at the Grand Sofitel Ballroom.
On the second day of his state visit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to meet with Cambodian leaders to further strengthen and deepen the Philippines-Cambodia relations in key areas such as trade, business, the fight against transnational crimes like human trafficking, and regional cooperation, ahead of the Philippines’ Chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.
“Ang aking pagpupulong bukas sa mga pinuno ng Cambodia, magkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na muling paigtingin ang paglago ng ating ugnayan sa Cambodia” President said
He also announced the opening of a Migrant Workers Office in Phnom Penh to promote their welfare.
Additionally, he highlighted the signing of agreements between the two countries across various sectors and the continued efforts to ensure sufficient opportunities in the Philippines.
During his State Visit, President Marcos will then meet with business leaders to encourage investments and partnerships with Filipino companies.
“Tayo ay makikipagtulungan sa Cambodia upang sama-samang lumago ang ating ekonomiya. Hihikayatin natin ang kanilang mga negosyante na maging masigasig sa pag-invest at pagnenegosyo sa mga kompanyang Pilipino upang naman ay patuloy na yumabong ang ating ekonomiya,” the President said.
This is President Marcos’ second time to meet with the Filipino community in Phnom Penh. The first was during his participation in the ASEAN Summit in 2022. — Alea Crazu, Contributor