Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian have been named as government caretakers during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s working visit to the United Arab Emirates from January 12 to 14. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the designation during a press briefing in Malaca±ang on Monday.

According to Philippine News Agency, the President has not yet departed from Manila, but Castro shared that he is scheduled to leave later in the day. Recto will lead the three-member caretaker committee, with Estrella and Gatchalian serving as members. The caretaker panel is activated whenever the President travels abroad to ensure the continuity of government operations.

Led by the Executive Secretary, the committee supervises the day-to-day functions of the executive branch and addresses routine matters on behalf of the President. However, critical issues, particularly those involving national security, are directly referred to Marcos. Marcos' trip, marking his first overseas travel this year, is upon the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He is set to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global forum convening heads of state and government to deliberate on pressing global concerns, including energy transition, water security, sustainable finance, food systems, and environmental protection. In addition to multilateral engagements, the President is anticipated to witness the signing of two major agreements between the Philippines and the UAE.

These agreements include a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will be the Philippines' first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, aimed at expanding Philippine market access in the region. Another agreement is a defense cooperation pact expected to enhance collaboration between Manila and Abu Dhabi in developing defense technologies and capabilities.