First Lady Liza Marcos to Skip U.S. Trip, Heads to Saudi Arabia for OFW Mission

MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will not be joining President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on his upcoming official visit to the United States, Malacañang confirmed.

According to Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro, the First Lady is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she is undertaking a humanitarian mission focused on the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). While no additional details were provided, Castro confirmed that the Middle East trip is the main reason for her absence from the U.S. delegation.

President Marcos is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22 upon the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. The high-level visit is expected to cover key issues, including economic cooperation, regional security, and defense partnerships between the two longstanding allies.

This marks the first time the First Lady will not accompany the President on a U.S. visit.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Marcos departed for Riyadh on July 17 and is expected to return to the Philippines on July 21. Her itinerary includes visits to shelters housing distressed Filipina workers and their children, as well as the launch of a one-stop shop designed to provide legal, medical, and repatriation services for OFWs in need.

The initiative reflects the administration’s broader commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers worldwide.