President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. began his three-day State Visit to Cambodia on Sunday, September 7, 2025, by meeting with members of the Filipino community, reaffirming their vital role in fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Speaking before hundreds of overseas Filipinos in Phnom Penh, President Marcos expressed gratitude for their contributions to both the Philippines and Cambodia.
“Sa kaibuturan ng magandang samahang ito ay ang mga Pilipinong tulad ninyo na patuloy na pinapasigla ang ating pagkakaibigan,” the President said, stressing that Filipinos are at the heart of the robust bilateral relationship.
The President announced the opening of a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Phnom Penh, aimed at ensuring the welfare of overseas Filipinos in Cambodia. “Naatasan ko si Sec. Hans Cacdac na magbukas ng migrant workers office dito ngayon sa Phnom Penh,” Marcos said, noting that the office will serve as a hub for assistance and protection programs.
This marks the second time President Marcos has engaged with the Filipino community in Cambodia, the first being in 2022 during his attendance at the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits hosted by Cambodia.
The State Visit also highlighted the signing of several bilateral agreements covering higher education, air connectivity, and combating transnational crime, complementing earlier accords in the fields of finance, trade and investment, agriculture, education, cultural property, competition law, and ICT.
Regional cooperation and the fight against human trafficking and other transnational crimes are also expected to be high on the agenda.
Marcos underscored that his administration is working to expand opportunities at home while encouraging stronger economic partnerships with Cambodia.
“Tayo ay nakikipagtulungan 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,” he said.
During his visit from September 7 to 9, Marcos is scheduled to meet Cambodian officials and business leaders to promote investments in Philippine industries.
The trip is also seen as part of the Philippines’ preparations for its Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
