President Ferdinand Marcos thanked the Filipino-Hawaiian community, citing his family’s experience in the US island state, which took them in after they fled the country in 1986.
Addressing the members of the Honolulu City Council delegation as well as participants of the 31st Trade Mission of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Hawaii Philippines Business Economic Council, the President said he is forever grateful to those who helped his family.
“I am so happy to be able to welcome you here as I can see that the work that you are doing is something that’s very important for all of us. Of course, the connection between Hawaii and the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said.
“In my own experience, and despite the difficult circumstances that surrounded our stay in Hawaii, Hawaiians made it as pleasant and as best as we could make it. And for that, we will never forget and we’ll be forever grateful,” he added.
He noted the people of Hawaii for their kind treatment of him and his family, citing Hawaii will forever have a special place in his heart.
“I have a special place in my heart for Hawaii, especially the people of Hawaii for the kindnesses that we were shown. I mean, it is on a more personal intimate level… We will never forget,” he said.
President Marcos and his family escaped to Hawaii after the 1986 People Power Revolution. They returned to the country in 1991, two years after the death of President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.
In November 2023, the chief executive set foot in Hawaii for the first time since returning to the Philippines three decades ago and met with the Filipino community there.