AS my time in the Philippines draws to a close, I consider with hope the future of our countries’ bilateral relationship. I smile as I remember how quickly Manila came to feel like home—thanks to the hospitality and bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos.
Above all, I reflect on the deeply moving moments I had been privileged to witness: from meeting Filipino heroes at the Day of Valor in Bataan, honoring World War II veterans with the United States Congressional Gold Medals, to the extraordinary efforts of today’s frontliners battling the pandemic.
The US will continue to do all in its power to help the Philippines prevail in its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 through vaccine donations, medical equipment, and public health assistance. To date our country has donated more than 13 million vaccine doses locally through COVAX. Millions more will come; the Philippines will receive 44 million vaccine doses from the facility.
I am heartened by each delivery of these life-saving vaccines, which are saving lives and bolstering confidence that together, we will overcome this terrible pandemic. Our support goes beyond vaccines to include over P1.38 billion in assistance, including ventilators, intensive-care units beds, personal protective equipment, and training sessions.
Historically, our security alliance has been the backbone of US-Philippine relations. We deeply appreciate President Duterte’s decision to restore the Visiting Forces Agreement. It is key to the operational effectiveness of our Mutual Defense Treaty, the 70th anniversary of which we commemorate this year. We believe our alliance strengthens both countries’ operational readiness, deters conflicts, and defends a peaceful, stable, rules-based order throughout the region. The recent visits by our defense secretary and the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command highlight our unwavering commitment to our oldest treaty ally in the region.
September marks Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month—a timely reminder that a strong maritime presence includes much more than traditional security. During the past three years our cooperation has promoted the economic and environmental sustainability of the West Philippine Sea, whose resources are critical to Filipino livelihoods and to the nation’s prosperity.
USAID’s Fish Right program has advanced best-practice fishery and maritime resource management and curtailed illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Philippine waters. Together, we are supporting innovative approaches to reduce ocean pollution, protect sensitive marine environmental areas, and strengthen global maritime scientific research. It is very inspiring to see creative ideas pursued by the next generation of Filipino leaders, such as the team from Agusan del Norte that won the Department of State’s 2021 regional “Haquathon” competition.
I am confident our security alliance and cooperative partnership will continue to thrive in the years to come, and that our countries will grow ever more secure and prosperous. My optimism is rooted in something far more profound and lasting than our shared political and economic interests; it springs from the hearts of our two peoples. We are more than allies: We are friends and family.
The ties between Americans and Filipinos stretch back over a century, refreshed each day by the close bonds among millions of our countrymen. My wife and I feel very fortunate to have experienced the warmth and friendship with so many Filipinos we have met throughout this beautiful country. Though we could stay only a few years, we are so happy we could call this land our home, if only for a while. These friendships and memories we will take with us, and cherish always.
It has been an immense privilege to serve in the Philippines these past three years, and I leave deeply grateful to the Filipino people for their kindness and friendship. Salamat, hanggang sa muli!