Congratulations on the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

The Philippine Embassy Washington DC led by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez celebrated the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, June 12 at The Ritz Carlton Hotel with members of Congress, ASEAN dignitaries, USPH Society directors, government officials, business executives, non-profit organization and community leaders.

Ambassador Romualdez delivered remarks focused on bilateral cooperation over the past year including in cybersecurity infrastructure and a secure exchange of military information and technology. Amb Romualdez described how the Embassy facilitated two-way trade missions, investment forums and dialogues including on tariffs and market access. He highlighted the Philippines as an investment destination of choice in Asia. He also reiterated the importance of achieving economic security and its impact on the Philippine national security modernization.

Looking ahead, the Ambassador announced the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship and hosting of the Leaders’ Summit as an opportunity toward enhanced relations with ASEAN countries, like-minded neighbors supporting a rules-based international order. In terms of PH-US relations, he underscored the enduring friendship between our two countries and peoples.

In response, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson stated that U.S. investments in critical areas including semiconductor and manufacturing promote reciprocal engagements. She pointed out that this year, the Philippines sent the largest delegation to the U.S. Commerce Department’s investment conference Select U.S.A. She highlighted deeper capacity-building initiatives at the 2025 Balikatan Exercise the largest and most comprehensive exercise ever ensuring maritime security and a free and open Indo Pacific.

US-Philippines Society directors led by Co-chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte, Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard, President Emeritus Amb John F. Maisto, Amb Paul W. Jones and Executive Director Hank Hendrickson attended the reception in support of the Embassy’s strides and accomplishments in the past year to strengthen and modernize the U.S.-Philippines security and economic partnership amid emerging global and regional challenges.

Marking the Philippine Independence anniversary, the US-Philippines Society will co-host a June 27 business forum at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex. For more information. please visit our website.

Photos courtesy of the Philippine Embassy Washington DC

Dr. Diana Negroponte, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and Ambassador John Negroponte at the reception, 12 June 2025

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador John F. Maisto and Executive Director Hank Hendrickson, 12 June 2025