US: ‘Much to celebrate with American-Filipino enduring ties’

BAGUIO CITY (December 4, 2024) -- US Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay Carlson, holding the annual holiday party at the US Ambassador’s residence at Camp John Hay in Baguio City Tuesday afternoon beamed, there is much to celebrate with the enduring ties between the United States of America and the Philippines.

“It’s fitting to close the year with a celebration, as the last 12 months of U.S.-Philippine relations have given us much to celebrate!” Ambassador Carlson said, stressing, “I can confidently say that 2024 was a banner year for U.S.-Philippine relations as friends, partners, and allies.”

The US envoy cited US Secretary of Commerce Raimondo’s recent delegation with 22 businesses for the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines and announcing more than 55 billion pesos in U.S. investments. 

Carlson also beamed of Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Defense Austin visit in the country twice, including a joint visit in July next year in Manila for the first U.S.-Philippines 2+2 dialogue.  “During Secretary Austin’s second visit, just two weeks ago, we broke ground on a new command and control fusion center at Camp Aguinaldo, which will allow our forces to coordinate on exercises and operations in-person and in real time, a significant step forward in our Alliance.”

The US envoy went on to take pride in breaking records in American-Filipino people-to-people ties, processing more visas than ever before and sending the most Filipinos to study at U.S. higher education institutions in more than 15 years.  “And that’s just scratching the surface of all that we have achieved during the past twelve months!”

Carlson describing the US-Philippine relationship momentum as “on hyperdrive”, she cited “friends from the Department of Foreign Affairs say, to continue in 2025”. 

The US envoy further mentioned about the how leaders from US executive and legislative

 branches, representing both sides of the political spectrum, “have been unequivocal in expressing their support for the Philippines” during their numerous visits here last year.

Carlson also showed confidence “the strong bipartisan support the Philippines enjoys will continue, through our Presidential transition and well into the future.” 

The US envoy became also particular with Baguio City’s historic place in American annals uniquely representing the depth and the strength of the U.S.-Philippine bilateral relationship. 

Next year is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Carlson noted, explaining, “as many of you know, the war came to an official end in the Philippines right here in this residence, when, on September 3, 1945, General Yamashita signed the instrument of surrender in front of

 General Jonathan Wainwright – on the very table that still graces the dining room.”

She reiterated, “I think General Wainwright would be more than pleased by how far the U.S.-Philippine relationship has come in the 80 years since that historic day.”   Our achievements together, Carlson continued, “are made possible by the dedication and commitment of our people – all of you! Whether you work in government, small or big business, in education, media, or in civil society, you all have contributed to our flourishing bilateral relationship as steadfast friends, ironclad Allies, and partners in prosperity.