Davao, March 2, 2026 — As the United States and the Philippines celebrate 80 years of diplomatic ties, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing honored Filipino war veterans at a Congressional Gold Medal awarding ceremony, the first of its kind in Tagum and second time in Mindanao.  In Davao, he deepened economic and people-to-people ties in meetings with public and private sector leaders as well as students. 

In Tagum, Chargé d’Affaires Ewing joined Philippine Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib at the 45th presentation of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal.  It is the highest civilian honor conferred by the U.S. Congress.  The awards delivered in Tagum were signed into law with the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.  These Congressional Gold Medals recognize the valor and sacrifice of Filipino veterans who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. forces to turn the tide in the Pacific during World War II.  The first-ever Congressional Gold Medal was approved by the Continental Congress in 1776 and awarded to George Washington, a remarkable example of the deeply interwoven history of the United States and the Philippines as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 

“When their nation called, they stepped forward.  They answered,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ewing.  “And in doing so, they not only shaped the course of history but also forged the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States – a relationship built on shared sacrifice, mutual trust, and deeply held values.” 

“The number of living Filipino World War II veterans continues to decline with each passing day, but through commemoration activities and recognition such as the awarding of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II veterans, their heroic legacy will live on,” said Undersecretary Mapagu. 

In Davao, Chargé d’Affaires Ewing toured the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao in the People’s Park with City Councilors Rachel Zozobrado and Ragde Niño Ibuyan, Davao City Investment Promotion Center Officer in Charge April Marie Dayap, and a group of Philippine alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.  The visit was an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the rich heritage and natural resources of Davao City and Mindanao while also discussing partnership opportunities to promote U.S.-Philippines prosperity.  The Davao City officials expressed interest in exploring trade and investment opportunities, education and exchange programs, and revitalizing sister city relationships. 

Chargé d’Affaires Ewing also took a moment for a group photo with the City Councilors in front of the iconic Davao City Hall, which celebrates its 100th anniversary, sharing a connection with the U.S. Embassy in Manila, as both buildings were designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano.   

At a General Membership Meeting of the Mindanao chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce, Chargé d’Affaires Ewing spoke about efforts to enhance supply chain resilience and expand energy cooperation, and underscored opportunities for two-way trade and investment including the upcoming SelectUSA Investment Summit, a Trump Administration priority initiative to promote investment into the United States. 

Chargé d’Affaires Ewing placed a spotlight on U.S.-Philippines education partnerships when visiting Filipino participants in the U.S. Embassy’s English Access Scholarship Program, a two-year, intensive after-school program that enhances academic and employment opportunities for public school students aged 13 to 15 through American excellence in English language instruction.  

“Chargé d’Affaires Ewing’s visit to the 50 English Access Scholarship Program students highlights the strong commitment to youth development and educational partnership.  His presence affirms the scholars’ potential and inspires them to strive for excellence, leaving a lasting impact,” said Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Reynante Solitario.   

“The United States and the Philippines share more than an ironclad Alliance,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ewing.  “We share a deep and enduring friendship and a commitment to partnerships that deliver concrete benefits for the American people while strengthening the bonds between our two nations.” 

Manila, February 6, 2026—U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez launched February 5 the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines in 2026.   The event marks the start of a yearlong campaign led by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States to celebrate the unwavering ties between the United States and the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies. 

“Eighty years ago, our two nations formalized a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to democracy and freedom.  We are proud of what we have accomplished side by side—balikatan—from standing shoulder-to-shoulder in times of conflict, to advancing economic growth, to joining forces on health, education, and disaster response priorities,” Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Ewing said at the launch of the commemorative logo at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City.  “The next chapters will be written by the innovative young people who are already building on our shared legacy.  We are confident that – as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad Allies – we will rise to even greater heights together for generations to come.” 

“Tonight, as we launch the official logo for the 80th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. diplomatic relations, we are not simply unveiling a design.  We are unveiling a story – eight decades of shared struggles, shared values, and shared aspirations.  This logo represents a living partnership that has evolved with time and has grown, adapted, and deepened,” Ambassador Romualdez said.  “What makes the Philippines-United States relationship truly special is that it is not only anchored in treaties and institutions.  It is anchored in people.  In many ways, we are not just allies – we are family,” he added. 

The United States and the Philippines established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. 

Historic people-to-people ties are the bedrock of the U.S.-Philippines relationship.  Around 375,000 Americans call the Philippines home while more than 4.6 million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans live, work, and study across the United States. 

The economic partnership continues to deliver results for Americans and Filipinos.  Through U.S. investments and foreign assistance, the United States and the Philippines promote mutual prosperity by bolstering energy security, securing critical supply chains, driving private investment in the Luzon Economic Corridor, and addressing public health challenges. 

This year also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance through the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty.  The Philippines is the United States’ oldest security treaty ally in the Indo-Pacific.  Through large-scale exercises, joint disaster response operations, and a shared commitment to supporting freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedoms of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations, U.S. and Philippine forces work together to address shared challenges in the region.   

“Eighty years of shared commitment to security, including 75 years as Allies, has enabled our countries to achieve peace through deterrence, protect our citizens, and advance an open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Ewing added. 

In 2026, the United States also celebrates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.  Under the Freedom 250 campaign, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is organizing a series of programs to showcase the values of freedom, democracy, and innovation—values that underscore the U.S.-Philippines relationship. 

The launch of the commemorative logo of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations was made possible with the partnership of SM Supermalls.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines CDA Heather Variava (middle) joins Manila Bulletin Brand and Marketing Manager Mark Dy, Ayala Museum Senior Director Mariles Gustilo, Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan, and Filipinas Heritage Library Senior Manager John Labella at the ribbon cutting of the “Liberation: War and Hope” exhibit at the Ayala Museum.

Manila, July 20, 2022—On July 15, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and Ayala Foundation’s Filipinas Heritage Library launched “Liberation: War and Hope,” an exhibit illustrating the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance in rebuilding and recovery after World War II.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava joined Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan, Ayala Museum Senior Director Mariles Gustilo, and distinguished historian and curator Dr. Ricardo Jose at the exhibit launch at the Ayala Museum in Makati City.  In her remarks, CDA Variava highlighted the unbreakable bond formed between Filipinos and Americans during the war and reaffirmed the continued promise of the U.S.-Philippine relationship as enduring friends, partners, and allies. 

This exhibit is the much-anticipated opening display of the Ayala Museum as it once again welcomes the public after two years of renovation. Made possible through a U.S. Embassy grant extended to the Filipinas Heritage Library in 2019 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II,  “Liberation: War and Hope” walks the path of the Philippines as it moved to a sense of normalcy, independence, and hope, after centuries of oppression, struggle, and rebuilding with the help of the Americans in the aftermath of World War II. 

“Liberation: War and Hope” is located at the 2nd floor gallery of the Ayala Museum Complex.  The exhibit is free to all visitors and runs from July 15 to September 25. 

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava visits Clark International Airport (above photo) and the FedEx Clark Gateway in her trip to the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone to highlight the United States’ support for economic development in the region.

Manila, June 17, 2022—Today, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (CDA) Heather Variava visited the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone to highlight the impact of U.S. support for economic development in Central Luzon.

CDA Variava went to the FedEx Clark Gateway, the U.S. shipping and logistics company’s major investment in the Clark Freeport.  This 17,000-square-meter facility supports the Philippines’ growing e-commerce demand and small-and-medium-sized industries that are helping drive the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  FedEx already employs hundreds of Filipinos at the facility and plans to expand operations further in the coming years.

In a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce, CDA Variava discussed the impact of U.S. investments in Central and Northern Luzon.  U.S. companies create thousands of local jobs, enhance the region’s economic development, and conduct charitable activities that help improve the lives of the area’s residents.

“As President Biden said during the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the future of the 21st century economy is going to be largely written in our region—the Indo-Pacific,” said CDA Variava.  “This why we are grateful for the investment that are being poured into the Philippines by American businesses, which support our longstanding commitment to the shared prosperity of our two nations.”

CDA Variava also visited major infrastructure projects, including the new Clark International Airport Terminal and the Malolos-Clark railway project, which will transform transportation in the Metro Manila and Clark regions.  The Asian Development Bank (ADB)-financed Malolos-Clark railway project will create thousands of local jobs, ease traffic congestion, and reduce auto emissions by tens of thousands of tons.  The United States is the largest shareholder in ADB and supports the Philippines’ efforts to improve environmental outcomes through greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

CDA Variava also expressed her support for the Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation (PDRF), which leverages resources and knowledge from the Philippines’ business community to respond to natural disasters, such as last year’s devastating Typhoon Odette.  The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development, supports PDRF’s activities to improve the preparedness and resilience of Metro Manila and other disaster-prone regions across the Philippines.

Manila, June 3, 2022—On May 31, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava visited Zamboanga City to deliver COVID-19 assistance and reaffirm the U.S. government’s commitment to broader security and sustainable peace in Mindanao. 

At Zamboanga City’s molecular testing center in Barangay San Roque, CDA Variava handed over essential COVID-19 medical equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that will help boost the city’s capacity to manage and mitigate the negative effects of the ongoing pandemic. 

The U.S. government, through USAID, has supported Zamboanga City’s COVID-19 response and vaccination rollout since June 2020.  USAID has deployed mobile vaccination teams, composed of three emergency medical technicians and one information technology (IT) staff to boost the city’s vaccination capabilities.  In addition, USAID deployed six consultants in major vaccination sites to support data encoding and reporting. 

In total, USAID provided a total of 19 health and IT personnel to enhance Zamboanga City’s human resource capacity to fight COVID-19. 

“Combating the COVID-19 pandemic requires collective action,” CDA Variava said.  “I am pleased that the enduring partnership between our two nations has fortified Zamboanga City’s pandemic response.  In collaboration with national and local governments, the private sector, and other key stakeholders, the United States will continue to implement adaptive solutions to strengthen local communities in the Philippines.” 

In a meeting with Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco, CDA Variava thanked Climaco for supporting U.S. partnerships and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to security cooperation in Zamboanga.  They were also joined by alumni from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and Philippine Youth Leadership Program, who discussed activities undertaken by the U.S. Government Alumni Association in Zamboanga City. 

In 2020, Mayor Climaco participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program, “Strong Cities, Strong Partnerships: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Terrorism in Southeast Asia.”  The program brought together mayors and other local government officials to exchange best practices on counterterrorism. 

CDA Variava also toured the American Corner at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, which the school has hosted since 1987.  The American Space shares American culture with students and faculty, providing free access to American books, movies, programs, and information on U.S. exchange opportunities. 

(As Prepared)

Good morning and thank you, Undersecretary Luna, and to our colleagues at the American Battle Monuments Commission for hosting our Memorial Day Ceremony this year.  It is my great honor to be here with you all. 

This is a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  While we mourn their loss, we are also grateful to those who selflessly acted on our behalf.  We are reminded that freedom comes at a great price, but that is a concept worth fighting and dying for. 

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial allows us to reflect on, and honor, those Americans and Filipinos who gave their lives in World War II.  We are surrounded here by thousands of stories of bravery and sacrifice. 

The 17,000 graves at the cemetery and the more than 36,000 names inscribed on the Walls of the Missing remind us of the considerable toll paid by both of our peoples to secure a world committed to freedom, peace, and economic progress for all.  We must always remember their sacrifices. 

That shared sacrifice has resulted in 75 years of strong relations between our two nations and an unbreakable alliance.  Americans and Filipinos have fought side-by-side for over 100 years in defense of our common values and ideals.  We have committed ourselves to mutual defense to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains free and open to the benefit of all nations. 

Memorial Day should be about more than remembrance; it is also about dedication.  We must rededicate ourselves to the unfinished work of the fallen men and women before us.

We are all beneficiaries of the sacred ideals and values that those who lie on these grounds fought to defend.  To honor their sacrifice, let us redouble our efforts as members of the military, as diplomats, and most importantly of all, as fellow citizens of the world. 

My hope is that we continue to reflect on these shared sacrifices beyond Memorial Day.  While it is easy to get caught up in our daily routines, let us strive to live honorable lives in service to one another, our countries, and in pursuit of our shared values.  In this, we truly pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our two nations. 

Maraming salamat. 

Manila, May 23, 2022—On May 19, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (CDA) Heather Variava visited Tawi-Tawi to promote shared U.S.-Philippine values such as press freedom and to strengthen the already robust collaboration with local partners for inclusive peace in the region. 

In her keynote address at Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography’s (MSU TCTO) World Press Freedom Day event, CDA Variava emphasized the media’s significant role in democratic societies to the audience of more than 100 students and faculty.

“It is important for our democracies and for our future that we find ways to make media freedom a reality.  We need to protect these freedoms on the digital frontiers and in traditional media,” said CDA Variava. 

During her trip, CDA Variava also engaged with local government officials, met with Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio, and toured the American Corner at MSU TCTO. 

CDA Variava’s discussion with Brig. Gen. Racadio, alongside members of U.S. Special Operations Task Force 511.2, focused on working together to strengthen maritime security posture and address security challenges in the South China Sea and the Sulu Archipelago.  Task Force 511.2 partners with the Western Mindanao Command and has teams embedded directly with Philippine forces throughout the area. 

Since 2003, the U.S. government-supported American Corner Tawi-Tawi has been a library and community resource space for the MSU TCTO community.  Housed on two floors of the MSU library, the American Corner features books and reference materials about American history, culture, and institutions, plus information about studying in the United States.  It also features a mural that is part of the Embassy’s Friends-Partners-Allies Mural Project, incorporating U.S.-Philippine shared values and traditional elements of Tawi-Tawi culture. 

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava (seventh from left) and Philippine Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña (seventh from right) lead U.S. and Philippine government representatives in celebrating the joint milestones under USAID’s STRIDE program.

Manila, April 27, 2022—On April 25, more than 100 innovation stakeholders gathered to mark the completion of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) flagship higher education project, the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program. 

STRIDE is USAID’s $38-million, nine-year program that works with the government, academia, and industry to strengthen the science, technology, and innovation capacity in the Philippines for inclusive economic growth. 

“Through our partnerships, local enterprises are working side by side with universities, universities are creating knowledge networks, and government agencies are improving the enabling environment for innovation,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.  “The United States remains a committed friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines in its endeavor to use innovation as a key driver of inclusive growth.” 

To date, STRIDE has provided 125 Philippine universities with technical assistance, including the creation of two advanced research training institutions, the establishment of career centers in 27 universities, and the setting up of technology transfer offices in 56 universities across the Philippines. 

USAID also awarded 73 research grants worth more than Php292 million ($5.6 million), provided 57 postgraduate scholarships for Filipinos to attend U.S. universities, and facilitated partnerships between 54 U.S. and local universities. 

More recently, USAID has provided support to the Philippine government’s signature whole-of-government innovation program called the Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs) that brings together government, industry and academia at the local level to make innovation work for businesses.  To date, eight RIICs have been established which have already supported over 100 local enterprises in various areas of research and innovation. 

“Through the years, USAID has been working with the Philippine government to strengthen linkages across government agencies to strengthen our national innovation system. It is through this stronger network that the government is now bringing more game-changing results from research and development to various industries throughout the country,” said Philippine Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña. 

The Philippines has been making significant progress in innovation, with the passage of the Philippine Innovation Act in 2019. The country ranked 50th in the Global Innovation Index in 2020, up from 100th out of 143 economies in 2012. 

Puerto Princesa City, March 28, 2022—On March 24, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program, donated eight waste collection vehicles to increase the capacity and efficiency of “Eco Warrior” waste collectors from Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

These vehicles, which include five bicycles, two motorcycles with sidecars, and one four-wheel multicab, were provided through the program’s grant to the Philippine organization Project Zacchaeus, which seeks to address ocean plastic pollution and the critical needs of those working in the informal waste and recycling sectors.

“USAID strongly believes that partnerships, community engagement, and customized solutions are important for the success of our development projects,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. “We are pleased to turn over these vehicles to the Eco Warriors, who have emerged as local leaders in sustainability and waste management, as we work together in curbing ocean plastic pollution and building sustainable circular economies.”

The waste collection vehicles were received by USAID grantee Project Zacchaeus Marketing Cooperative (PZC) founder John Gastanes and Eco Warriors president Lydia Casiano. The vehicles will expand the Eco Warriors’ previous collection capacity and provide enhanced waste services to an estimated 3,000 households in Puerto Princesa.

“We are very grateful to USAID for providing our Eco Warriors with these vehicles,” said Bancao-Bancao barangay captain Gayjun Dangan. “Truly, these will help improve our city’s waste collection system and increase the income of our Eco Warriors.”

Coined by Project Zacchaeus, Eco Warrior refers to the informal waste collectors that the organization helps educate on solid waste management. These informal waste collectors provide for their families and ensure a healthy environment.

USAID, in partnership with PZC, the city government of Puerto Princesa, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is also building the knowledge and skills of 60 Eco Warriors on proper waste management, occupational health and safety, and leadership.

The Land Transportation Office provided the nine selected Eco Warriors who will operate the vehicles with free driving courses, while TESDA provided free training on vehicle maintenance. The training, combined with the new resources, aims to improve waste services, facilitate higher earning potential among the waste collectors, and equip the Eco Warriors as community leaders and educators who promote more sustainable waste practices such as waste segregation in the community.

Puerto Princesa City, March 28, 2022—On March 25, the United States government, through the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Global Security Contingency Fund, commemorated the delivery and installation of outboard motors worth Php31.5 million ($630,000) to support Philippine maritime law enforcement operations.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava led the ceremonial turnover of the motors that were delivered and installed on six Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) patrol boats belonging to its Special Operations Units in Honda Bay in Palawan and Bongao, Tawi Tawi.

In total, 18 motors were donated, of which 12 were used to restore the six boats back to operational status while six are spare engines. Four of these engines were installed on two boats operated by the 2nd Special Operations Unit in Honda Bay.

This event capped CDA Variava’s two-day visit to Puerto Princesa, where she met with provincial and city government officials along with partners in the security and environmental sectors.

“The U.S. government is committed to supporting the 2nd Special Operations Unit as well as our other partners in Palawan who share our interest to enhance security, economic prosperity, and environmental conservation in this amazing province,” said CDA Variava.

INL, along with the U.S. Department of Defense, have been close partners with the PNP-MG for over a decade and collaborated on the creation of the Special Operations Units though facility, equipment, and training support programs. This partnership remains an enduring success that serves as a model for future initiatives.

During her trip to Puerto Princesa, CDA Variava visited the headquarters of both the Western Command and Coast Guard District Palawan to discuss operational priorities and opportunities for cooperation related to the diverse and challenging missions of these organizations. She also led donation ceremonies for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the Clean Cities, Blue Oceans (CCBO) project.

INL supports PCSD though environmental justice programs, which include the handover of Php825,000 ($16,500) in rescue and storage equipment on March 25. The United States Agency for International Development sponsors CCBO, a five-year initiative to address the global ocean plastic challenge. On March 24, CDA Variava led the turnover of eight waste collection vehicles worth Php500,000 ($10,000) to Puerto Princesa’s Eco Warriors who will utilize the equipment.