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.