Manila– U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez launched February 5 the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines in 2026. The event marks the start of a yearlong campaign led by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States to celebrate the unwavering ties between the United States and the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies.

“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, a.i., Ewing said at the launch of the commemorative logo at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City. “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.”

“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. “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,” he added.

The United States and the Philippines established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946.
Historic people-to-people ties are the bedrock of the U.S.-Philippines relationship. Around 375,000 Americans call the Philippines home while more than 4.6 million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans live, work, and study across the United States.

The economic partnership continues to deliver results for Americans and Filipinos. Through U.S. investments and foreign assistance, the United States and the Philippines 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 U.S.-Philippine 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, U.S. and Philippine 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, a.i., 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 U.S.-Philippines relationship.

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

TACLOBAN CITY — With thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning home after the holidays, Rep. Jude Acidre on Sunday, Feb.8, urged the Senate to swiftly approve the Bagong Balikbayan Act, a reintegration measure recently passed by the House of Representatives.

Acidre said the timing underscores the need for structured programs that help returning OFWs transition smoothly into local employment, entrepreneurship, and community life after years abroad.

House Bill No. 6643, principally authored by former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and approved by the House on December 16, 2025, seeks to consolidate existing reintegration services, expand livelihood and employment assistance, and establish a coordinated support system for returning migrant workers and their families.

“With OFWs coming home in large numbers, early Senate action would show that Congress is ready to match their sacrifices with lasting reforms,” Acidre said.

The bill provides for reintegration assistance beginning up to six months before an OFW’s return through Migrant Workers Offices abroad. It also mandates job fairs, skills recognition, employment facilitation, and even possible civil service eligibility based on overseas work experience.

The measure further includes digital platforms for easier access to reintegration services, psychosocial support for families, and enhanced assistance for distressed or undocumented OFWs, such as livelihood training and affordable credit access.

Acidre emphasized that timely Senate concurrence would allow the reintegration framework to take effect within the year, enabling the government to address both the immediate and long-term needs of returning OFWs and their families.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)