MANILA, Philippines – The United States and the Philippines reaffirm its commitment to take its bilateral relationship to the “next level”, in line with the celebration of the 80th years of formal diplomatic relations, as well as 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries.
In his opening remarks during the launching of the second edition of “The Philippines Matters for America, America Matters for the Philippines” on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton expressed optimism on the trajectory of U.S.-Philippine relations.
“We're here to take our relationship to the next level, as we've been talking about ever since we met. Tonight, we launch the United States' 80th anniversary edition of the Philippine Matters for America, America Matters for the Philippines,” Ambassador Lipton said.
“Its message is simple. America matters to the Philippines. The Philippines matters to America,” Lipton added.
The project, spearheaded by the East-West Center and Asia MattersForAmerica.org, maps the trade, investment, employment, business, diplomacy, security, education, tourism, and people-to-people connections between the United States and the Philippines at the national, state, and local levels, according to the booklet.
According to Lipton, the booklet highlighted the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines as “ironclad” and “growing every day.”
“And together, we matter to the world. Our alliance is ironclad. Our economic partnership is growing, and growing every day,” Lipton emphasized.
“We are opening doors to the Luzon Economic Corridor, Pax Silica, artificial intelligence, and civil nuclear energy. Through our Fulbright and English language programs, we are preparing the next generation to compete and win,” Lipton mentioned.
Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria said in her keynote address, that for the Philippines, the alliance with the U.S. occupies an enduring place in the country’s diplomatic architecture.
“The President described the U.S. as a trusted friend, steadfast partner, and unwavering ally. He also aptly said that the Philippines-U.S. relations remain a beacon of stability,” Usec. Austria said.
“This publication is very strategic and timely, as we mark significant milestones in the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S. as the Ambassador mentioned the 80th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations, the 75th anniversary of our alliance, and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence,” she added.
The launch was held at the Glasshouse, Goldenberg Mansion in Manila. In attendance with Ambassador Lipton and his spouse Erika, is First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, DFA Usec. Austria, and Program Manager of the East-West Center Dr. Nicholas Hamisevicz.
US Amb. Lee Liption poses for a photo with spouse, Erika Lipton, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, DFA Usec. Maria Andrelita Austria, and East-West Program Manager Dr. Nicholas Hamisevicz, during the launching of the second edition of “The Philippines Matters for America, America Matters for the Philippines”, on Thursday, 24 Sept. 2026, at the Glasshouse, Goldenberg Mansion, Manila.
U.S.- PH highlights and milestones
The United States and the Philippines have shared a robust relationship for 80 years. Diplomatic relations between the countries were formalized when the Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946.
The 75-year-old US-Philippines Alliance contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity. The United States and the Philippines became allies 75 years ago with the signing of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. The Philippines is the U.S.’s oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific.
Regarding trade, the United States is the Philippines’ top export market and third largest overall trading partner. Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at USD41.7 billion in 2025. The United States is the top single-country exporter of agricultural products to the Philippines.
On investment, the United States is the second largest investor in the Philippines. Since 2005, 10 US states and two territories have received a total of USD927 million in greenfield investment from the Philippines.
On employment, Philippine trade and investment together supports 68,600 US jobs. U.S. trade with the Philippines supported more jobs in California, Texas, and Washington than in any other US state.
(Photo courtesy of Karen A. Ow-Yong/DZRH)
Regarding foreign assistance, the United States has provided foreign assistance to strengthen cooperation in addressing shared challenges. In 2025, the United States announced a total of USD313 million in foreign assistance funding to the Philippines.
On health cooperation, the United States and the Philippines contribute to each other’s healthcare systems. In 2025, the United States pledged USD 250 million in health assistance to the Philippines, while Filipinos make up three percent of all healthcare professionals in America.
Regarding supply chains, the United States and the Philippines are building resilient critical mineral and energy supply chains. In February 2026, the Philippines signed an agreement with the United States to expand cooperation on mineral development, diversify global critical mineral supply chains, and promote investments.
On population, around 4.6 million Filipino Americans live in the United States and 500,00 Americans live in the Philippines. Filipino Americans are the third largest Asian ethnic group in the United States, after Chinese and Indian Americans.
On cultural connections, the United States and the Philippines have influenced each other’s cultures. Filipino Americans have made significant contributions to both Filipino and American culture in areas including sports, food and entertainment.
Filipino American representation in public office is growing. There is currently one Filipino American serving in the US Congress. Representative Bobby Scott of Virginia, as well as 31 Filipino Americans who serve in 15 out of 50 state legislatures across the United States.
On educational exchange, the Philippines and the United States share robust educational exchanges. During the 2024/2025 academic year, about 4,573 students from the Philippines studied in the United States, contributing USD 215 million to the U.S. economy.
On travel and tourism, Filipino visitors add USD2 billion to the U.S. economy annually, while the United States is the 2nd largest source of visitors to the Philippines, and the Philippines is the 6th largest source of visitors from Asia to the United States.
Finally, the United States and the Philippines share 79 sister relationships, with California having the most sister relationships with the Philippines, followed by Hawai’i.
(source: https://asiamattersforamerica.org/uploads/publications/2026-Philippines-Matters-for-America.pdf)
