U.S. ambassador leaves PH with praise for Filipino people, alliance

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Wednesday reflected on what she described as the most meaningful chapter of her four-decade diplomatic career, highlighting the deep people-to-people ties and strengthened alliance between the United States and the Philippines during her more than three years in Manila.

In her farewell message, Carlson said she prepared extensively before assuming her post, speaking with former U.S. ambassadors to the Philippines who consistently emphasized the warmth, hospitality, and shared values of the Filipino people. She noted that those qualities proved true throughout her tenure, shaping both professional partnerships and lasting friendships.

Carlson underscored that trust-building lies at the heart of diplomacy, describing the U.S.-Philippine relationship as one founded on mutual respect and shared democratic values. She said the alliance has never been “stronger or more consequential,” citing surveys showing high levels of Filipino trust in the United States as a security partner.

She pointed to expanded engagement between the two countries, marked by frequent high-level visits by U.S. officials and business leaders, as well as robust cultural and educational exchanges. More than 170 Peace Corps Volunteers currently serve across the Philippines, while long-standing exchange programs—anchored by the world’s oldest continuously operating Fulbright Commission—continue to advance cooperation in areas such as education and civil nuclear development.

On the economic front, Carlson said the two nations worked “on hyperdrive” to boost trade and investment. She highlighted U.S. trade missions and the launch of the Luzon Economic Corridor in partnership with Japan, aimed at driving infrastructure development, job creation, and sustainable growth.

In 2025 alone, Carlson said the United States committed more than $313 million in foreign assistance to the Philippines, supporting health initiatives, food security, energy resilience, environmental protection, and economic development.

She also emphasized major strides in defense and security cooperation, noting expanded Balikatan military exercises, the establishment of Task Force Philippines, and hundreds of joint security activities over the past three years. U.S. assistance, she said, has helped modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard while supporting maritime security and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea.

As she prepares to depart, Carlson noted that 2026 will be a milestone year for bilateral relations, marking 80 years of diplomatic ties, the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, and key regional anniversaries tied to ASEAN and maritime law.

While stepping down as ambassador, Carlson said she will continue to champion U.S.-Philippine relations. “Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines has been an honor—the highlight of my forty-year career,” she said, thanking Filipinos for their friendship and hospitality.

She closed her farewell on a personal note, recalling her unexpected introduction to Filipino karaoke culture and saying she leaves the country with fond memories, Filipino holiday traditions, and enduring friendships. “Maraming, maraming salamat at hanggang sa muli,” she said.