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.” 

The following statement was jointly released by the Philippines and the United States on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the fourth Philippines-United States Bilateral Maritime Dialogue in Manila.

17 February 2026 – On February 17, the Philippines and the United States held their fourth Bilateral Maritime Dialogue in Manila, where the two sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to uphold the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea in accordance with international law, as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.  Both sides reinforced their longstanding mutual position supporting freedoms of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, and economic opportunity in the South China Sea.

First held in 2022, the Bilateral Maritime Dialogue serves as a platform to improve maritime policy and operational coordination between the Philippines and the United States.  The Dialogue reflects the strong Alliance between the Philippines and the United States, building on the successful “Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain” ministerial co-hosted by Secretary Lazaro and Secretary Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2025. The meeting held with counterparts from Australia, Estonia, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom, and others, convened over 35 countries to discuss maritime security issues of shared concern.

At today’s dialogue, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman led the Philippine interagency delegation, while U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Hunt VanderToll and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement David Bedard co-led the U.S. interagency delegation, including U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Dr. Ruth Perry.  Both sides reviewed ongoing cooperative efforts and discussed ways to address current challenges and shared maritime concerns, particularly in the South China Sea.

Both sides also discussed deepening cooperation on maritime law enforcement, including capacity building for the Philippine Coast Guard, advancing shared interests in the blue economy and marine conservation spaces, and in commemorating the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The Philippines and United States remain committed to convening appropriate bilateral mechanisms such as the Maritime Dialogue to build on the outcomes of prior dialogues and exchanges and to sustain the positive momentum of deep and wide-ranging collaboration across the Alliance.

Media Note

Office of the U.S. Department of State Spokesperson

Since the United States and the Philippines signed the Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy—commonly known as a “123 Agreement”—our governments have worked closely to support the Philippines as it moves to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix by 2032.  Multiple U.S. agencies, including the Department of State, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Department of Commerce, are collaborating with their Philippine counterparts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, expand commercial partnerships, and build a skilled nuclear workforce. 

On February 16, 2026, the United States announced several new initiatives to advance the Trump Administration’s goal of exporting cutting-edge American nuclear technologies to U.S. allies while deepening strategic partnerships through the use of safe, secure, and safeguarded nuclear energy technologies. These initiatives pave the way to enhance Philippines’ energy security, grow its industrial strengths, and meet emerging tech competitiveness goals, like powering and harnessing AI. Initiatives include:

• SMR Feasibility Study:  USTDA will fund a $2.7 million feasibility study to help Meralco assess and deploy U.S.-designed small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.  This study will evaluate leading U.S. technologies, identify viable sites, and deliver a high-level implementation roadmap. When finalized, this work will provide a pathway for the deployment of safe and secure advanced U.S. nuclear technologies that will deepen ties between our two countries for decades to come.

• Nuclear Reactor Control Room Simulator:  The simulator, provided by the State Department’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program, is based on an advanced U.S. SMR design and positions Philippines to be an SMR regional training hub. Installed at a technical institution within the Luzon Economic Corridor, it will provide hands-on, realistic training for future reactor operators and technicians to practice plant operations, safety procedures, and emergency scenarios that create a qualified nuclear workforce, strengthen safety culture, and accelerate readiness for SMR deployment.

• A Public-Private Partnership to Support Workforce Development:  Supported by AboitizPower, EōS Organization, TESDA, and the U.S. Department of State, and led by Fulbright Philippines, a new fund has been established to bring U.S. nuclear experts to the Philippines to develop specialized vocational and higher education curricula focused on the civil nuclear industry.

• Nuclear Technology Trade Mission:  This USTDA-funded reverse trade mission will bring 10-15 Philippine private sector and government officials to the United States for a firsthand look at cutting-edge American reactors, supply chains, and training facilities to build partnerships that facilitate the deployment of trusted U.S. civil nuclear technology to critical infrastructure in the Philippines.

• Study Tour for Philippine Legislators:  In 2026, representatives from the Philippines’ Senate and House of Representatives will travel to the United States under FIRST program cooperation to gain firsthand insights into the technologies, policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutions that enabled the development of a safe, secure, and successful U.S. civil nuclear sector.

• New Academic Partnerships and Workforce Development Programing:  New funding through the FIRST program will establish partnerships between Philippine universities and Texas A&M University and King’s College London to support the development and integration of new SMR curricula into engineering programs in the Philippines.  The project will connect professors and senior academics from Philippines to their U.S. and UK counterparts.

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.

Basco, Batanes, January 28, 2026—From January 19 to 20, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, equipped 50 high school teachers from across Batanes with innovative American teaching approaches that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), critical thinking, and communication skills.

Led by two English Language Fellows who are American experts from the U.S. Department of State’s English Language Fellows program, the “Engaging Learners: Communication, Criticality, and the Future of Instruction” workshop highlighted the strong academic partnership between the United States and the Philippines as the two nations celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. 

“The U.S. Embassy is proud to invest in the educators of Batanes by sharing American excellence in education through expert facilitators and world-class resources,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna.  “By expanding their teaching methods, Batanes educators are ensuring that the next generation of Ivatans are well-prepared to enter the workforce—positioning the province for greater international collaboration and as strong future partners of American companies.”

“We are grateful to the U.S. Embassy for this multidisciplinary approach,” said Department of Education Senior Program Supervisor Kym Clyde H. Moro.  “The program provided our teachers with practical tools that will greatly improve how our students learn and communicate.  This is a meaningful investment in our teachers and the future of education in Batanes.”

Participants also developed “action projects” that integrate real-world data and hands-on learning, including lessons on Ivatan stone houses to promote community resilience, debates on future investment in Batanes using economic data, and cultural exchange activities comparing U.S. and Philippine traditions using American AI tools.  These projects ensure classroom learning is directly connected to local community challenges.  

The Regional English Language Office team also shared information on additional Embassy programming resources, which empower participants through first-hand exposure to American best practices.  By investing in education and innovation, the United States and the Philippines continue to work together to make both countries more prosperous.
 

Statement by Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson
United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Philippines

Before I arrived three and a half years ago, I spoke to every living previous U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines and numerous others to prepare for my posting. All spoke of the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people; the importance of our shared history and values; and the rewarding and consequential work we do together as Allies and partners.   

I received great advice, but was surprised by one persistent question: “What’s your song?”   

People earnestly counseled me to select a song I would be willing to sing in public. But I had never sung karaoke! Thankfully, I quickly learned that renowned Filipino hospitality extends to being very forgiving of one’s vocal range.   

It’s not about how well you sing; it’s about the shared experience that helps build meaningful relationships. In the Philippines, contacts become colleagues; colleagues become friends; and friends become family.     

Building and maintaining trust is essential in every strong relationship. To me, that’s diplomacy: building relationships of trust born of mutual respect to achieve common objectives based on shared values.   

The U.S.-Philippines relationship as friends, partners, and allies has never been stronger or more consequential. I am heartened to hear that a recent poll shows 82 percent of Filipinos trust the United States as their premier security partner. The sheer number of visits and engagements by senior-level U.S. officials and business leaders demonstrates the importance Americans place on relations with the Philippines.   

Our relationship shapes lives, drives progress and prosperity, and secures futures on both sides of the Pacific. Strong people-to-people and cultural ties enrich our lives. I’ve seen this in our shared obsession with basketball and our love of good food – I’ll miss the fresh mangoes and lumpia! Over 170 Peace Corps Volunteers serve across this beautiful country. Our many exchange programs advance key issues like civil nuclear cooperation – something made possible through the oldest continually operating Fulbright Commission in the world.  

Our two countries have worked together – “on hyperdrive” – to achieve progress in trade and economic cooperation, bolstering our shared prosperity. Multiple U.S. trade missions opened new avenues for investment and partnership. We launched the Luzon Economic Corridor in collaboration with Japan, driving infrastructure development, job creation, and sustainable growth.  

In 2025 alone, the United States committed more than $313 million in foreign assistance to the Philippines to stop the spread of disease, promote maternal and child health, counter illegal fishing, foster energy security, and promote economic development.   

On the military and security front, our ironclad Alliance is stronger than ever, ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. We increased the complexity and size of our premier annual exercise, Balikatan, and established Task Force Philippines to facilitate comprehensive, archipelagic defense and disaster response coordination. 

Together we engaged in more than 500 security-related activities and exercises in each of the last three years – enhancing joint interoperability and readiness to deter emerging threats. Significant U.S. support for defense modernization included new funding and technology transfers to strengthen the capabilities of the Philippine Armed Forces and Coast Guard.  

The United States introduced targeted maritime assistance programs, promoting freedom of navigation and countering coercion in the West Philippine Sea. And we stood together to save lives with military airlifts that delivered family food packs and emergency supplies to Filipinos throughout the country.   

In 2026, the United States and the Philippines have much to celebrate: 80 years of diplomatic ties, the 75th anniversary of our Mutual Defense Treaty, America’s 250th birthday, the Philippines’ ASEAN chair year, and the tenth anniversary of the landmark UNCLOS ruling upholding Philippine maritime claims. While I will no longer be in the U.S. Ambassador’s chair, I’ll continue to champion U.S.-Philippines ties, confident that our hard-working embassy teams and vast network of American and Filipino friends, partners, and allies will continue to build relationships of trust that benefit our nations.    

So, what’s my song? Over the last three-plus years, I sang Louis Armstrong’s “A Kiss to Build a Dream On” many times (because it’s short and has a long instrumental interlude!). But as I depart the Philippines, the quintessential Filipino holiday tune “Kumukutikutitap” by Ryan Cayabyab is the song I take in my heart – along with fond memories of sparkling parols, friends and family, and the sheer joy that accompanies the longest Christmas season in the world!     

Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines has been an honor – the highlight of my forty-year career. Maraming, maraming salamat at hanggang sa muli.    

https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/01/response-to-chinas-military-exercise-near-taiwan/

Press Statement
Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson
January 1, 2026

China’s military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increase tensions unnecessarily. We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue. The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion.

In 2025, the Philippines faced extraordinary challenges as it endured a series of powerful typhoons and significant earthquakes. Typhoons Crising, Tino, and Uwan affected millions of Filipinos and destroyed homes and properties.   

The United States, through the U.S. Embassy in Manila’s Foreign Assistance section provided $3.5 million in disaster assistance and logistics support to the Philippine government-led response, including transporting over 225,000 family food packs (FFPs) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).  This included 32 U.S. military airlift missions from the Department of War for the rapid delivery of FFPs in remote areas affected by these typhoons.

Coordination with the DSWD and the Office of Civil Defense at the national level was critical to ensure that U.S. assistance remains aligned with local needs, complements ongoing efforts, and reaches the most affected communities efficiently. By working closely with Philippine partners, the United States augmented the response operations and quick recovery for those impacted by disasters.

Mang Delfin, a resident of Barangay Sabangan in the Municipality of Caramoran, Catanduanes, shared how back-to-back Typhoons Tino and Uwan devastated his home and family assets. During his stay at the evacuation center, he received food and other support from DSWD and the municipal government. However, Mang Delfin’s greatest hope was to repair his home and restore a sense of normalcy for his family. With assistance from the United States, he was able to purchase essential materials, rebuild his roof, and set up a sleeping area—allowing him to sleep in a bed once again and begin the process of recovery. 

For over six decades, the United States and the Philippines have worked together on helping families and communities recover from disasters as friends, partners, and allies. 

Press Statement

Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson