By ROY C. MABASA
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Thursday reaffirmed the “ironclad” alliance between Washington and Manila, describing it as a vital partnership rooted in shared values, historic sacrifice, and a common vision for a secure and prosperous future.
Speaking before nearly 1,400 guests at a joint celebration of U.S. Independence Day and Philippine-American Friendship Day at Shangri-La at the Fort, Carlson highlighted the deepening ties between the two countries amid evolving challenges in defense, economic development, and regional security.
“This is a moment to reflect on the values that define us: freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of a better future,” Carlson said in her keynote address. “These are values shared by the Philippines and the United States—shaped through our rich history of common sacrifice.”
She noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, citing February’s commemoration of the Liberation of Manila and upcoming joint observances in Baguio this September to honor the Allied victory in the Pacific.
Carlson emphasized that the U.S.-Philippine alliance has grown “stronger than ever” over the past year, citing enhanced American support for Philippine military modernization, expanded joint exercises such as Balikatan, and deepening cooperation in maritime security, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
“Since this time last year, the United States has substantially increased support for the Philippines’ military modernization,” she said. “We continue to invest in infrastructure, build capabilities, and enhance interoperability.”
Carlson also announced a major infrastructure initiative: a U.S.-supported freight rail line linking Subic, Manila, and Batangas under the Luzon Economic Corridor. The project—unveiled last week in Washington—is aimed at spurring innovation, creating jobs, and boosting regional connectivity.
“Our nations are bound by more than history; we are partners in forging a safe, strong, and prosperous future,” she said.
The ambassador also underscored enduring people-to-people ties as the foundation of the alliance, noting that more than four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans live in the United States, while over 750,000 American citizens now reside in the Philippines.
“We are more than friends, partners, and allies—we are family,” Carlson declared.
She closed her speech with a call to renew shared democratic ideals and raised a toast to the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance.
“Tonight, I raise a glass to the values that unite us, the future we’ll shape together, and the enduring promise of the Fourth of July and Philippine-American Friendship Day,” she said.
Among the dignitaries present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Apostolic Nuncio Charles Brown, and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
