US-Philippines Society joins President Marcos at CSIS-Sponsored Manila Strategy Forum

On September 10, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. addressed Manila and Washington stakeholders at the CSIS-sponsored inaugural Manila Strategy Forum held at the Solaire Hotel, Metro Manila, Philippines. At a time of global reset, the President characterized the US-Philippines alliance as serving the rule of law, and maintaining peace, security and prosperity. He said, “PH-U.S. joint economic security complements our mutual defense,” adding that “the alliance has stood the test of time and will continue to progress in response to emerging challenges.” His message to the U.S.: “The place for the United States is here with us in the Indo-Pacific.”

In his remarks, the President specifically acknowledged the continuing contribution of US-Philippines Society Co-chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte, as “one of the greatest champions in support of Philippines-U.S. friendship.”

The previous day, September 9, Ambassador Negroponte participated in an armchair discussion at the CSIS two-day forum with Ambassadors Jose Manuel Romualdez and MaryKay Carlson. His remarks supported tariff reforms and movement toward a trade agreement with benefits for both sides and a strengthening of the alliance relationship.

“I hope what was agreed during President Marcos’ recent meetings in Washington is not the last word,” Negroponte said. “There should be flexibility going forward.”

The US-Philippines Society supports bilateral agreement on trade and tariffs that provides greater market access for American products and strengthens two-way trade and investment linkages with mutual benefits in the face of global competition.

Read President Marcos’ Keynote Address

Watch President Marcos’ Keynote Address

At the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum panel on infrastructure, Executive Director Hank Hendrickson described the importance of institutional and social infrastructure, as well as “hard” infrastructure, saying “a well-ordered society rests on a responsive foundation of broad and overlapping networks of physical, technical and social infrastructure.”

He cited the record of American assistance in building Philippine infrastructure, starting with public education under Thomasite teachers in the early 20th century and continuing today with support for the Luzon Economic Corridor. Hendrickson also called attention to the work of USAID and the U.S. Institute of Peace in assisting with programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao aimed at forging reconciliation leading to an improved environment for commercial investment and agricultural development in the neediest region of the country.

Hendrickson noted areas of importance for investors nationally, including improved responses to the effects of climate change, ensuring energy supplies, sustaining public health initiatives, and expanding human resources. His presentation concluded with examples of specific contributions to Philippine infrastructure by members of the US-Philippines Society.

Link to Executive Director Hendrickson’s Remarks

Panelist Executive Director Hank Hendrickson at the CSIS Manila Strategy Forum,
9 Sep 2025, Solaire Hotel, Metro Manila.

USPHS Director Enrique Razon, President Marcos, CSIS Director Greg Poling, CSIS Senior Fellow Henrietta Levin, and USPHS Executive Director Hank Hendrickson at the CSIS Manila Strategy Forum, 10 Sep 2025, Solaire Hotel, Metro Manila. Photo courtesy of CSIS.

Congratulations to CSIS Director and Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia Program Greg Poling and his team for convening a successful inaugural forum with foreign policy experts attended by Manila’s policy analysts and stakeholders. Thanks to CSIS event sponsor ICTSI led by US-Philippines Society Director Enrique Razon.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is welcomed to the Manila Strategy Forum by US-Philippines Society director Enrique Razon, Jr., Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, and CSIS director for Southeast Asia Program Greg Poling, 10 Sept 2025. Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office