First lady to skip US trip, flies to Saudi for OFW outreach - Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines - First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will not be joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his official trip to the United States this week, as she embarks on a separate working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Palace confirmed Friday, July 18.

In a briefing at Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that the first lady left for Riyadh on July 17, and will remain in the Gulf state until July 20 to engage with Filipino migrant workers and launch government service initiatives.

According to Castro, Marcos’ trip will focus on meeting with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and supporting initiatives that promote their welfare.

“First Lady Maria Louise Araneta-Marcos will travel to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 17th kahapon to 20th July on a working visit to meet overseas Filipino workers,” she said.

The first lady is expected to attend the OFW and OWWA Serbisyo Caravan, a one-stop government outreach event offering legal aid, financial support, and welfare counseling to OFWs and their families. She will also visit shelters that house distressed Filipino women, children, and workers, according to the Palace.

“The trip... will highlight the steadfast commitment of the Marcos administration to the welfare of OFWs and their families,” Castro added.

She emphasized that the visit was initially planned for early July but it was rescheduled to align with logistical arrangements in Saudi Arabia.

Castro also noted that DICT Undersecretary Dave Almirol will assist in launching a one-stop digital service center for Filipinos in the Kingdom, in partnership with the first lady’s office.

The first lady is expected to return to Manila on July 21.