MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for the United States on Sunday for his working visit. The chartered flight carrying him and his lean delegation which include First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos; Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro; Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac; Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.; and Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez took off from the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 10:22 a.m. The agenda of Marcos’ four-day trip to New York includes his attendance at the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters where he will highlight the Philippines’ commitment to promoting, advancing, and protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls. The chief executive is also expected to speak at the special session of the UN General Assembly where he will rally for additional support for the country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028. By getting a seat in the council, the Philippines will have a voice in the discussions concerning global safety and security, Malacañang previously said. The president is likewise scheduled to meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss the situation in the Middle East to reiterate the importance of promoting peace and supporting the protection of civilians affected by tensions in the region. This is Marcos’ sixth visit to the US since 2022.