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.