Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez during the Philippine National Anthem | Photo by the U.S Marine Corps
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., hosted a Friday Evening Parade in honor of the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, on August 9. As a guest of honor at the parade, it underscores the strong and enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States.
Renowned for its display of military precision and discipline, the event featured “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The evening’s proceedings were a testament to the longstanding traditions and excellence of the United States Marine Corps.
The U.S. Marine Color Guard presented the Philippine flag during the parade—the first time a foreign flag was accorded such honor since the first Friday Evening Parade in 1957. The Marine Band also performed the Philippine national anthem twice for the foreign colors and as musical honors for the ambassador.
At the pre-parade reception at the Truman Crawford Hall, Romualdez expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality the United States Marine Corps extended. He highlighted the historical and strategic ties between the Philippines and the United States, emphasizing the mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We have made many historic achievements in a short period of time, but suffice it to say that our relations have reached a level of maturity and modernity and have become even more relevant to the lives of both our peoples.” Romualdez said.
In response, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, Jr., Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations of the U.S. Marine Corps, said, “Without a doubt, this is a time when our two nations are standing shoulder to shoulder and in protection of our aligned interest…The alliance between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States is one that is underwritten in peace and security in the Western Pacific.”
Romualdez had just returned from Manila, where he participated in the 2+2 bilateral meeting on July 30. During this meeting, both countries reaffirmed the importance of the ironclad Philippines-US alliance. The discussions led to a US$500 million commitment in foreign military financing from the 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, earmarked for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The two countries’ partnership is rooted in key agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1998, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement of 2014. They also remain committed to advancing regional security and stability while enhancing collective military readiness. It is shown through the recent participation of Filipino Marines at the 2024 Rim of the Pacific Exercise, the 2024 Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) littoral live fire exercise, Exercise Balikatan 24, and most prominently, the KAMANDAG exercises, which have been held annually since 2016.
The Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Forces Pacific will co-host the 2025 Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, where 32 countries are scheduled to unite and discuss enhancing maritime security in the region.
Romualdez also met with General Eric Smith, Marine Commandant, when he visited the official Home of the Commandants. Smith emphasized the significance of the US-Philippine alliance and the strong relationship between the Marine Corps of both countries.
The Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., is the oldest post of the Marines, established in 1801, and is a National Historic Landmark. It is home to more than 1,000 Marines, Sailors, and civilians and has been the official residence of the Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806.
–-With Ricky Rillera/PDM
