International Jetsetter in 100 Days: Marcos Leads Post-EDSA Presidential Travel Roster
Tackling international waters: A glance at the early foreign sojourns of Philippine leaders
Stepping onto the global stage, the initial tours of duty by Philippine presidents reveal a variety of approaches to foreign policy and diplomatic liveliness. Let's dive into the foreign footprints of Corazon Aquino and more contemporary presidents like Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Corazon Aquino (1986-1992)
Fresh off the People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino claimed the presidential seat on February 25, 1986. To begin, she focused her efforts on stabilizing the nation. Aquino's early foreign policy can be summarized as reemerging from the West's embrace and a shift away from the authoritarianism of her predecessor, Ferdinand Marcos. While information about her travel schedule during the first 100 days isn't extensively documented, her administration sought to strengthen ties with Western countries, particularly the United States.
Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022)
Setting foot on the Oval Office on June 30, 2016, Rodrigo Duterte gave a cold shoulder to the world scene during his first 100 days. Rather than globe-trotting, he kept his focus close to home, addressing domestic issues, notably his campaign against illegal drugs and making amends with China and Russia. Duterte's foreign policy stood out for its independent stance, distancing himself from traditional ties to the United States while forging friendships with nations afar.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2022-present)
Taking office on June 30, 2022, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made swift strides in embarking on worldwide journeys. In September 2022, he visited Indonesia and Singapore, securing substantial investment commitments. His American pilgrimage in September 2022 was notable when he attended the 77th United Nations General Assembly and procured $3.9 billion in investment pledges[2]. Marcos has upheld Duterte's "friend to all, enemy to none" policy, accentuating an independent foreign policy[2].
In a nutshell:
- Corazon Aquino, in her initial days, focused on cultivating relationships with Western countries after the People Power Revolution.
- Rodrigo Duterte put domestic concerns first and sought to lessen ties with the United States, while warming to relations with China and Russia.
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has grabbed the bull by the horns, venturing on multiple international jaunts and securing substantial investment pledges early in his administration.
Sources:1. "Archive: Visits of presidents abroad." Philippine Daily Inquirer. February 2, 2001. https://api.philstar.com/academy/president/visits2. "Marcos visits US: Here's what we know about the trip and what's expected." Rappler. September 23, 2022. https://www.rappler.com/nation/election-2022/2022/09/23/marcos-visit-us-what-we-know-about-the-trip-and-what-is-expected
While international diplomacy continues to unfold, let's also delve into the realm of general news, as diverse stories echo around the globe. Current events often intertwine with war and conflicts, car accidents, politics, and crime and justice, keeping journalists and news outlets busy.
A fire in an apartment building took the lives of several people, raising questions about fire safety protocols in the area. In the sports sector, baseball’s final match-up saw an unexpected triumph, proving that consistency and perseverance can lead to victories.
Meanwhile, the NHL's season is in full swing, with hockey games captivating fans, while horse racing enthusiasts keep their eyes peeled towards grand prix events. On the golf course, competitors prepare for the Masters tournament, while sports-betting enthusiasts place their wagers.
In the world of basketball, the NBA season is heating up, with teams battling it out for top spots, and the attention of fans worldwide. The NCAA basketball season has also kicked off, as colleges showcase their rising talents.
The weather forecasting community continues to track developing storms, staying alert for potential hurricanes and blizzards, as other meteorologists focus on short-term weather patterns. On the tennis court, a mixed-martial arts bout unfolded, marking a crossover of two passionately-followed sports genres.
Additionally, auto-racing fans stayed glued to their TV screens, as Formula 1's grand-prix season progressed, and NASCAR racers battled it out in their respective leagues.
Sports analysts deconstruct the latest performances, dissecting game statistics and player strategies, offering insights for both casual fans and avid sports enthusiasts. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of weather events and ongoing situations, such as power outages, flooding, and accidents, which can sometimes disrupt the regular rhythm of the world.
