PHILIPPINES, UNITED STATES CELEBRATE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC TIES IN 2026

MANILA, 05 FEBRUARY 2026 – Today, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Y. Robert Ewing launched the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States in 2026.   The event marks the start of a yearlong campaign led by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines to celebrate the unwavering ties between the Philippines and the United States as friends, partners, and allies.

“Tonight, as we launch the official logo for the 80th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. diplomatic relations, we are not simply unveiling a design. We are unveiling a story – eight decades of shared struggles, shared values, and shared aspirations. This logo represents a living partnership that has evolved with time and has grown, adapted, and deepened, “Ambassador Romualdez said at the launch of the commemorative logo at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City. “What makes the Philippines-United States relationship truly special is that it is not only anchored in treaties and institutions. It is anchored in people. In many ways, we are not just allies – we are family.” 

“Eighty years ago, our two nations formalized a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to democracy and freedom.  We are proud of what we have accomplished side by side—balikatan—from standing shoulder-to-shoulder in times of conflict, to advancing economic growth, to joining forces on health, education, and disaster response priorities,” Chargé d’Affaires Ewing said.  “The next chapters will be written by the innovative young people who are already building on our shared legacy.  We are confident that – as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad Allies – we will rise to even greater heights together for generations to come.”

The Philippines and the United States established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946.

Historic people-to-people ties are the bedrock of the Philippines-U.S. relationship.  More than 4.6 million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans live, work, and study across the United States, while around 375,000 Americans call the Philippines home.

The economic partnership continues to deliver results for Filipinos and Americans.  Through U.S. investments and foreign assistance, the Philippines and the United States promote mutual prosperity by bolstering energy security, securing critical supply chains, driving private investment in the Luzon Economic Corridor, and addressing public health challenges.

This year also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Philippine-U.S. Alliance through the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty.  The Philippines is the United States’ oldest security treaty ally in the Indo-Pacific.  Through large-scale exercises, joint disaster response operations, and a shared commitment to supporting freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedoms of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations, Philippine and U.S. forces work together to address shared challenges in the region.

“Eighty years of shared commitment to security, including 75 years as Allies, has enabled our countries to achieve peace through deterrence, protect our citizens, and advance an open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Chargé d’Affaires Ewing added.

In 2026, the United States also celebrates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.  Under the Freedom 250 campaign, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is organizing a series of programs to showcase the values of freedom, democracy, and innovation—values that underscore the Philippines-U.S. relationship.

The launch of the commemorative logo of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. diplomatic relations was made possible with the partnership of SM Supermalls.

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Contacts:

Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Public Diplomacy Section
Email: info@phembassy-us.org 

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
Public Diplomacy Section – Information Office
Email: mnlinfooffice@state.gov