The alliance between the Philippines and the United States is “stronger than ever,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said, as she affirmed that Washington is proud to “stand shoulder-to-shoulder” with Manila toward a safe, free, and prosperous future.

In her speech during the Fourth of July celebration hosted by the US Embassy in Manila on Thursday night, July 3, the envoy spoke of the two countries’ enduring friendship and alliance.

“We are more than friends, partners, and Allies—we are family,” she said, noting that the two nations are bonded by history, partnership, and shared sacrifice that have endured since the end of World War II.

“Our nations are bound by more than history; we are partners in forging a safe, strong, and prosperous future—defending freedom of navigation, fostering economic opportunity, promoting peace through strength, and advancing cybersecurity,” she added.

“In all of these endeavors and many more, the United States is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Philippines. Your contributions, your innovation, your insights, your friendship make our work stronger.”

In partnering together to work for a safe and secure future, Carlson reiterated the US’ commitment to support the Philippines’ military modernization.

“We are working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. We continue to invest in infrastructure, build capabilities, and enhance interoperability—including through Balikatan and other military exercises that have grown in complexity and size. As a result, our Alliance is stronger than ever,” she stressed.

The ambassador, who spoke before the diplomatic corps and the Philippine media, shared about Washington’s recent investments in Manila, particularly the announcing for a funding to build a major freight rail that will link Subic, Manila, and Batangas under the Luzon Economic Corrigidor initiative.

The initiative, she added, will generate employment and drive innovation for both countries.

Beyond the economic and defense partnership, the US and Philippines maintain “meaningful people-to-people ties,” which Carlson described is “the foundation of everything we do together.”

Some four million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans call the United States their home, while more than 750,000 US citizens are currently living in the Philippines, she noted.

“Today, we celebrate our independence and the enduring bonds that unite us a steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad Allies who work every day to promote the vitally consequential US-Philippine relationship,” the envoy stressed.

She also called for a reflection of the “values that define” both countries, including freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of a better future.