Marcos says Japan...

1 the President said.

“So what we’re really having to do now is we are going to have to, we’re finalizing some of the projects that for example, were postponed because of the pandemic, lockdowns; and also now, some new projects that are follow-on from kung ano ‘yong dati,” he added.

It is also the reason why his supposed schedule has been “very specific” as foundation had been laid out already.

“So that’s why kung titignan niyo ‘yong [if you would see the] schedule very specific, may purpose ang bawat meeting, hindi ‘yong [every meeting has purpose, not about the] general introduction of the Philippines to the EU [European Union] or to another country,” he explained.

While this is Marcos’ first visit to Japan since assuming the presidency last June 30, he and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio have already met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York last September 2022.

Furthermore, several government agencies and officials from the two countries have already met, like in the case of the Philippine Department of National Defense which has strongly advocated for the creation of a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with Japan.

Marcos also hopes that discussions would flourish, especially in the realm of agriculture, so that the country’s agricultural acceleration would take place.

“Well number one, their number one that opens up, hindi lamang the useful exchange of technology, but that’s an important part of it. But also, investment in agriculture, and hopefully opening markets in Japan for our agricultural products. So that’s a very wide-ranging discussion, so yes, we hope to do a lot on that regard para maaccelerate ‘yong ating agricultural development,” he added.

Marcos along with his delegation arrived at the Tokyo International Airport at 5:36 p.m. (Tokyo time) earlier. He is expected to meet members of Japan’s Imperial Family, along with key government officials like Kishida.

Marcos’ visit to Japan is his ninth official overseas trip since he took office. Prior to this, the President went to Indonesia and Singapore for his inaugural state visit, before flying off to New York for the UNGA.

He also went back to Singapore for business meetings in time for the Formula One Grand Prix, in a trip that was criticized by several progressive groups.

He then went to the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Cambodia, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Thailand, the Asean-European Union meet in Belgium last December, before visiting China for another state visit and Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. n

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I only have 20 tournaments allotted,” said Eala during her homecoming press conference at Globe Tower.

“My last tournament was Thailand; that was my 15th tournament. So, until Roland Garros qualification, I have five more, until my birthday in May, when it resets.”

The U.S. Open girls’ singles champion, who turns 18 on May 23, said she is also looking to compete at Wimbledon.

“Well, I think for a tennis player the goal is really to join the grand slams. So those are my goals for this year, go get into as many grand slams as I can,” she said.

Eala, who is currently the Women’s Tennis Association’s world No. 217, earned her career-best ranking of No. 214 and she is eager to keep rising in the rankings and compete in more pro circuit tournaments this year.

“Well, that depends on a lot of factors. I have to defend points and hopefully gain points if I can and it also depends on who joins the tournaments and who backs out,” Eala said. “So, give or take. I hope so. I really don’t know because it would be my first French Open professionally.”

The Rafael Nadal Academy scholar made her first appearance in French Open as a junior in 2021, reaching the semifinals in singles and ruling the doubles with Russian partner Oksana Olegovna Selekhmeteva.

The first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles title reached the main draw of the Thailand Open but she lost to sixth seed Tatjana Maria of Germany, 2-6, 2-6, in the WTA 250 event in Hua Hin last week.

Eala also made her first Grand Slam appearance as a pro in the 2023 Australian Open qualifying round, suffering an early exit at the hands of Japan’s Misaki Doi last month. (Lance Agcaoili/ Inquirer.net) n