Celebrating milestones as friends, partners, allies

THIS July 4, Americans all over the world are celebrating the 247th anniversary of US independence. Here in the Philippines, we are also commemorating the 69th Philippine-American Friendship Day, making July 4 doubly special — a time to celebrate all that the Philippines and the United States have accomplished together as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity and ironclad allies.

Since I arrived in July last year, I've had the opportunity to see the deep, multifaceted US-Philippine relationship at work. During a recent trip to Cebu, I met talented new friends from the vibrant network of US exchange alumni in the Visayas. In Ilocos Norte, I learned how our development efforts are improving energy efficiency standards, a key part of the Philippines' clean energy transition. Last October, I had the honor to share the stage with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Tacloban to commemorate the Leyte Gulf landing, honoring our shared history; while during a recent visit to Isabela province, I witnessed how the US and Philippine troops are working together today to modernize our alliance — training at Camp Melchor de la Cruz. These trips and the many other milestones mark strong momentum in US-Philippine relations.