U.S. President Donald Trump to Visit the Philippines
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Ni Oggie Medina
I received a note from the White House Travel Office that U.S. President Donald J. Trump will visit Manila, Philippines to participate in the 49th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit and Related Summits from November 16-18, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. It will mark his first visit to the Philippines since 2017.
Manila has declared three days of special non-working days in the capital region to manage security and heavy traffic.
After Manila, President Trump will proceed to Shenzhen, China for the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders’ Meeting.
Previous to the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, I would cover the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS) 2026 on November 14–15, 2026, at Solaire Resort, Parañaque City, Philippines.
ABIS 2026 theme focuses on “ASEAN: Creating Our Shared Future in the Age of Intelligence”. It is organized by ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines, led by its chairman Joey Concepcion III. The key focus areas artificial intelligence and digital economy highlighting technologies and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA); regional security and growth that addresses energy security, food security, semiconductors, and inclusive development; and public-private collaboration that convenes ASEAN leaders, ministers, global investors, and business executives.
Moreover, I participated in the ASEAN Trade Expo 2026 (“Way of the Weave”) from November 10 to 12, 2026, at Sinag, Okada Manila where I saw actress-entrepreneur Dina Bonnevie as an exhibitor. It focused on an immersive exhibition bringing together 11 ASEAN member states and partner countries, featuring over 200 women-led enterprises and artisans and showcasing craft, heritage, enterprises, and women-led businesses.
I also joined as participant in the November 10, 2026 Fourth ASEAN Investment Forum, navigating our future together at Makati Diamond Residences. It was a continuing learning experience in which I gained some new friends, like entrepreneur Richard D. Arceño, a prominent Filipino disability inclusion advocate, social entrepreneur, and community development leader.