PRESS RELEASE
WDC-20-2021
18 MAY 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez was invited by the Museum Volunteers of the Philippines to speak at their Monthly Lectures Program on the relationship between the Philippines and the United States on 17 May 2021.
The Ambassador emphasized that “this could not have come at a better time as our two countries will celebrate 75 years of friendship and partnership this coming July 4.”
“As you all know, the relationship is not without its highs and lows. Through it all, what has remained constant is our two countries’ commitment, reinforced by our peoples’ shared desire, for this relationship to endure and flourish further…We anticipate that more vaccines will get into the arms of Filipinos back home.”
“While we work relentlessly to immunize our people, we also continue to engage our US government and private sector counterparts, as well as our diaspora, to highlight our country as an attractive investment destination and the pathway to Asia in a post-pandemic world…People-to-people ties remain the anchor of our bilateral relations. The pandemic has increased the visibility of the Filipino-American community as thousands of Filipino-American frontliners and essential workers perform their duties with utmost excellence, dedication, and compassion.” the Ambassador said as he wrapped up his opening remarks.
Following the Ambassador’s remarks, a lively discussion and open forum took place. The Ambassador answered and expounded on varying issues from diplomacy under a Democrat and Republican Government, national security and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the US role in relation to the West Philippine Sea, investment and business potential in the Philippines, and Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Hate in the US, to name a few. ###