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.” 

U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines 

U.S. Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines 

February 23, 2026

Demonstration Alert – Trillion Peso March

Location: EDSA Shrine, the People Power Monument, and Eton Centris in Quezon City

Event: “Trillion Peso March” on February 25, 2026

Various church and civil society groups will hold day-long activities on February 25 across three sites in Quezon City. The “Trillion Peso March” coincides with the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and follows previous large-scale anti-corruption protests held on September 21 and November 30, 2025.

The primary gathering sites are expected to be the EDSA Shrine at the intersection of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the People Power Monument on White Plains Avenue, and the Eton Centris complex at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue. U.S. citizens should anticipate significant traffic congestion, public transport disruptions, and a heavy security presence in these areas throughout the day.

Actions to Take: 

• U.S. citizens should avoid the rallies. Foreign nationals found engaging in a protest or mass demonstration could be considered in violation of their immigration status.
• Exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, as even peaceful rallies/demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without warning.  Follow instructions from local authorities.
• Follow local media and government sources for updates on possible disruptions and re-routing schemes as heavy traffic congestion and road closures are expected near protest venues.

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 For further information and assistance:

• See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 5301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 5301-2000.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Follow us on X and Facebook.

U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines 

U.S. Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines

February 20, 2026

The U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu is implementing a temporary mandatory transition to Pay.gov as the sole accepted payment method, effective February 25, 2026. This change enhances security and efficiency in processing consular services.

Payment Requirements:

• Pay.gov is the only authorized payment method beginning February 25, 2026, until further notice.
• All payments must be completed through Pay.gov before or during your appointment.
• You must present your Pay.gov payment confirmation receipt at your appointment.
• Cash and other payment methods cannot be accepted at this time.

To submit payment please use the following links:

• For Passport Application Fee
  •  Form DS-82 Passport Renewal: Pay.gov – Overseas U.S. Adult Passport Renewal Fee
  • Form DS-11 U.S. Passport Application Fee: Pay.gov – Form DS-11 Passport Application Fee
• For Notary fee: Pay.gov – U.S. Notary Service
• For CRBA applications: please follow the instructions on mytravel.gov to submit and pay for the application online.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• In the name fields on the payment site, please use your current legal name, even if it is different from the name that appears on your prior passport. If you are submitting a payment on behalf of another passport renewal applicant, please enter their name. All fields are required.
• Print or save your payment confirmation receipt.
• Bring the receipt to your appointment. Appointments without valid Pay.gov payment confirmation cannot be processed and will require rescheduling.

We appreciate your cooperation in implementing this important security measure. For Pay.gov technical assistance, visit pay.gov/public/help. For consular service inquiries, contact the Cebu Consular Agency through our official website.

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For further information and assistance:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 5301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 5301-2000.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.
• Follow us on X and Facebook.

Security Alert

U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines

U.S. Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines

February 20, 2026 

Location: Mindanao

Event: Due to security concerns, U.S. Embassy Manila has updated its internal policy to restrict the approved areas for personal travel by U.S. government personnel visiting Davao City.

Effective immediately, U.S. government personnel may not engage in personal travel to areas of Davao City other than the Central Business District, Davao International Airport, and the main thoroughfare that leads from Davao City to Davao del Norte along the Davao Gulf. U.S. government personnel may still undertake personal travel to the areas identified above and to Davao del Norte Province, Dinagat Island, Samal Island, and Siargao Island.

There is no specific security threat to U.S. government personnel, property, or private U.S. citizens. U.S. citizen travelers should be advised that the Embassy may be limited in its capacity to respond to security incidents or requests for consular assistance in these areas.

Travel advice regarding Mindanao is now:

• The Davao City Central Business District, Davao International Airport, and the main thoroughfare that leads from Davao City to Davao del Norte along the Davao Gulf, as well as Davao del Norte Province, Dinagat Island, Samal Island, and Siargao Island are under a Level 2: Exercise Caution advisory.
• The Sulu Archipelago, Sulu Sea, and Marawi City remain under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.
• All other areas of Mindanao remain under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory.

Actions to Take:

• U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to areas of Davao City other than the Central Business District, Davao International Airport, and the main thoroughfare that leads from Davao City to Davao del Norte along the Davao Gulf.

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For further information and assistance:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 5301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 5301-2000. 
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
• See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information. 
• Follow us on X and Facebook.

U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines 

U.S. Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines

February 19, 2026

The U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit and representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will visit Davao City, Philippines on February 24, 2026, to provide remote services to U.S. citizens. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event location:  Acacia Hotel Davao, Acacia Ballrooms 2&3 (google map location) – J.P. Laurel Ave, Agdao, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Service Hours: 7:00am-11:00am

Note that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will NOT offer walk-in services at the remote services event.

Available Services: 

• AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES 
  • Applicants for Citizenship and Passport services must review all information on the U.S. Embassy website and come prepared with all required documents.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
  • All CRBA applicants MUST register through the eCRBA system and carefully follow the instructions for uploading required documents and paying the fee online.  Applicants MUST present the travel summary (confirmation of payment) as proof of eCRBA registration to proceed with their application.  If you do not present the travel summary you will be turned away.  Please review and follow the complete instructions at: eCRBA Application – U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
  • If you are over 18 and applying for U.S. citizenship, you will need to be interviewed at the Embassy or Consular Agency in Cebu. Please review the instructions on our website to make an appointment.

• U.S. passport applications
  • If you are eligible to renew your passport on a DS-82 you do not need to personally appear for your passport application. Avoid long lines and renew your adult passport by mail, instructions here.
• Notarial services 

• VETERANS AFFAIRS
  • Regional office
    • Answering inquiries about VA benefits and claims.
    • Helping complete applications for compensation or pension benefits.
    • Providing information on PACT Act claims.
    • Health-related services for eligible veterans only:
    • Registration/Enrollment
    • Medical Appointment needs
    • Foreign Medical Program overview
    • VHIC ID Application
    • Preventive Immunizations
    • Health and Wellness needs
    • Suicide Prevention Program
    • Veteran Crisis Line information

What to Bring: 

• Originals documents and photocopies required for your specific service
• Passport applicants: Bring a passport photograph meeting these requirements.
• Documents and photos must be prepared in advance.  Embassy personnel cannot provide printing, copying, or photography services.

Help Us Plan: 

Please complete our brief survey to indicate which services you need and help us anticipate attendance:  https://forms.office.com/g/D9yjXXJvYn

Payment for ACS Services: 

Fees must be paid in exact change (Philippine pesos ONLY).

We look forward to serving you in Davao City!

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For further information and assistance:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 5301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 5301-2000.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.
• Follow us on X and Facebook.

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.