When the first American ambassador to the Philippines, Paul V. McNutt, witnessed the lowering of the American flag and the first president of the republic, Manuel Roxas, saw our own Philippine flag raised amid the thunderous shouts of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos watching at the Luneta on July 4, 1946, the event signaled our independence. It marked the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines.
That moment in 1946 remains one of the most consequential dates in Philippine history, marking not just the birth of a sovereign republic, but the beginning of a unique relationship between two nations – one that moved from colonial history to partnership, from tutelage to alliance, and eventually to one of the closest friendships in the Indo-Pacific.
And while I was not there at the birth of formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States, I have had the privilege of witnessing – and in my own way, participating in – the evolution of one of our nation’s most consequential international partnerships.
My vantage point dates back to 1982, when I covered President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s state visit to Washington as a young broadcast journalist for one of our major television networks. I saw firsthand how important and serious both sides treated the relationship, even then. Clearly, the relationship was never static, evolving with the geopolitical realities of its time, balancing security, economics, and the democratic values shared by long-standing partners.
More than four decades later, I again saw history in motion – this time as ambassador – when I accompanied President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his official visit to the US in May 2023 and again more recently in July last year for his official working visit to Washington – the first ASEAN leader invited to the White House by President Trump.
That arc alone, from broadcast journalist to ambassador, from father to son, from 1982 to 2025 – tells us something powerful: the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is not episodic. It is enduring. It is institutional. And it continues to renew itself with every generation.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations, we are not simply commemorating history. We are recognizing a living alliance that continues to shape our strategic, economic, and regional future.
Conversations in Washington today reflect renewed recognition that the Indo-Pacific is central to global stability, and the Philippines is consistently viewed as a trusted partner whose strategic relevance continues to grow. Security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the alliance. At a time when maritime tensions and shifting power balances test regional norms, the partnership contributes to deterrence and stability.
Yet the alliance is not defined solely by defense. Its strength lies in integrating strategic cooperation with economic opportunity. The United States remains one of the Philippines’ most important economic partners. Investments in infrastructure, energy transition, digital innovation, and resilient supply chains are shaping our growth. These collaborations translate into jobs, technology transfer, and institutional capacity that benefit Filipino communities. Sustained economic cooperation enhances resilience and positions both nations to adapt to rapid change.
Equally vital is the people-to-people dimension. Generations of Filipinos have studied, worked, and contributed to American society, while American institutions remain engaged in Philippine development. These human connections form the emotional backbone of the alliance, reinforcing trust that transcends political cycles.
“The Philippines-US alliance supports that balance while reinforcing international norms that enable peace and prosperity. Marking 80 years of diplomatic relations is not nostalgia – it is a reaffirmation of deliberate choice.
What makes the Philippines-United States relationship truly special is that it is not only anchored in treaties and institutions, but also in people.
Over four million Filipinos live in the United States today. Millions of Americans have lived, worked, studied, or served in the Philippines. Our veterans fought side by side. Our students cross oceans for education. Our nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals contribute daily to each other’s societies.
In many ways, we are not just allies – we have become family.
And like any long relationship, there have been challenges, moments of disagreement, moments of recalibration, and moments of honest debate. But what is remarkable is that through all of this, the fundamental foundation has remained intact: mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a deep understanding of each other’s strategic importance.
The Indo-Pacific landscape today is defined by complexity: economic realignment, technological disruption, and strategic competition. For ASEAN – and for the Philippines – maintaining equilibrium requires partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared interests.
The Philippines-US alliance supports that balance while reinforcing international norms that enable peace and prosperity. Marking 80 years of diplomatic relations is not nostalgia – it is a reaffirmation of deliberate choice. Both nations continue to choose engagement because cooperation advances prosperity, security, and stability. Enduring partnerships are sustained by renewal – dialogue, innovation, and adaptability.
Looking ahead, the next chapter demands deeper collaboration in maritime security, digital transformation, energy resilience, and human capital development. Philippine engagement – strengthened by alliances – will be critical in shaping a stable Indo-Pacific architecture.
Anniversaries invite reflection, but they also call for vision. The 80th anniversary signals confidence in a partnership that has matured through decades of change. It declares that a shared purpose, matched by cooperation, remains a powerful force for progress.
Eighty years on, the story continues – steady, purposeful, and guided by a simple principle: when partners move forward together, they expand the possibilities for everyone. This partnership continues to grow through trust and shared purpose.
Lastly, on a personal note: although I was not around in 1946, I consider it an honor and a privilege to witness the alliance’s vitality today across generations. Who knows, we may be lucky to be around to see its centennial in 2046 – still strong and stable.
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
