BAGUIO CITY – In a festive setting at the Ambassador’s residence in Camp John Hay, United States Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, declared 2024 as a landmark year for the US-Philippines relationship. Speaking at the annual Christmas reception on December 3, 2024, Carlson highlighted the year’s significant achievements and milestones that have strengthened the bonds between the two nations.
Carlson pointed out the success of a trade and investment mission in March, led by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, which involved 22 leading US businesses and non-profits, resulting in new investments worth approximately PHP55 million. She also celebrated the historic joint visit in July by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, marking the first-ever US-Philippines 2-Plus-2 ministerial meeting held in Manila. This rare diplomatic event, where top defense and foreign affairs officials meet simultaneously, underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship.
Further emphasizing the deepening ties, Carlson noted Secretary Austin’s recent visit to the Philippines for the groundbreaking of a new command and control center at Camp Aguinaldo, which will enhance real-time coordination between the armed forces of both countries.
On the cultural and educational front, Carlson shared that the US Embassy has processed more visas in the past year than at any other time in the history of the relationship, facilitating increased people-to-people exchanges and educational opportunities in the US.
Looking forward, Carlson expressed confidence in the continued bipartisan support from the US, predicting that the positive momentum would carry into 2025 and beyond. She also touched on the historical significance of Baguio City, noting that next year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which concluded with the surrender of Japanese forces at the very residence where the reception was held.
The annual Christmas reception, a tradition that began when Baguio was established as a rest and recreation facility for US servicemen, continues to be a symbol of the enduring friendship between the US and the Philippines.