Marcos: ‘Future-ready’ PH-US alliance evolving beyond defense

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

PH-US @ 80. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks before key Filipino and American officials for the launching of the official logo for the 80th anniversary of Philippine-US alliance on Monday (Feb. 9, 2026) in Malacañang. Marcos said the Philippines and the U.S. have shared eight decades of cooperation across defense, maritime security, law enforcement, trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport, labor, health, education, disaster response, tourism, and culture, and continued to grow into other key sectors. (Photo: Presidential Communications Office/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday framed the 80th anniversary of Philippine-United States diplomatic relations as an opportunity to reaffirm and expand the bilateral partnership into emerging strategic domains, emphasizing its enduring relevance for national and regional security.

Speaking at the Palace event launching the official anniversary logo, Marcos noted that the Philippines and the U.S. have shared eight decades of cooperation across defense, maritime security, law enforcement, trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport, labor, health, education, disaster response, tourism and culture.

“Any enduring relationship requires commitment and sustained effort, and we have certainly done the needed work today that cooperation is broad and it is comprehensive,” he said.

Highlighting new frontiers, Marcos said the alliance is also evolving into cybersecurity and outer space cooperation, with sustained high-level engagement, including his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Our positive initial engagement provided renewed momentum for sustained high-level exchanges, and, more importantly, it reaffirmed the foundational groundwork that continues to strengthen our alliance,” he said.

The anniversary logo, jointly developed by the Philippine Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Manila, features elements from both flags, including the Philippine eight-rayed sun and the American stars and stripes, symbolizing eight decades of shared values.

Marcos also acknowledged the U.S.-Philippines Society and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, for their roles in fostering bilateral ties.

“If there is anyone who can be credited with nurturing and strengthening our ties in recent years, it is Ambassador Babe. Thank you for your work,” he said.

As ASEAN chair this year, Marcos said Manila looks forward to Washington, D.C.’s continued support for regional initiatives and hopes to host Trump in Manila for the ASEAN Summit later this year.