Gains of Marcos' US trip beyond the numbers

At first glance, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent trip to the United States might appear as a diplomatic endeavor that fell short—especially in the realm of tariffs and trade concessions.

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Critics are quick to decry that the Philippines did not extract tangible, quantifiable economic wins at the negotiation table. But to measure the success of an official visit purely by tariff cuts or economic figures is to profoundly misunderstand the complex web of diplomacy, alliances, and national interest.

Beyond dollars and cents, we should view the much bigger picture of President Marcos’ trip—positioning the Philippines in a shifting geopolitical landscape, asserting the country’s sovereignty, deepening old alliances, and securing a future not just built on trade, but on trust, shared values, and mutual security.

We should look beyond the realm of economic gains. Crucial here is the strategic recalibration of our role in the Indo-Pacific. During his visit, Marcos received from US President Donald Trump—not just symbolic nods—but significant, though often unquantifiable, assurances that will resonate long beyond the news headlines.