The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, Aug. 30, marked the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), an agreement which provides the legal and strategic framework for defense cooperation with the United States, giving both countries a basis for working together when faced with a common security threat.

DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said the MDT remains a key part of Manila and Washington’s commitment to peace, stability, and the defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty, we honor an alliance that has endured through generations and has evolved to meet the demands of an increasingly complex security environment,” he said in a statement.

The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 30, 1951, recognizing that an attack in the Pacific on either country would endanger the peace of both, and obliges them to act together to meet the common danger.

Over the past seven decades, the DND said the defense pact has served as a framework for sustained defense and security cooperation between Manila and Washington.

The partnership has expanded from the original defense arrangement to exercises, maritime security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, capability development, and greater interoperability between Filipino and American forces.

“For seven decades, the MDT has provided a framework for sustained cooperation between the two countries, strengthening interoperability, enhancing defense capabilities, and contributing to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.

The DND said the cooperation was significant because the Philippines faces security challenges in a region where maritime disputes and other threats require stronger defense capabilities and closer coordination with allies and partners.

The DND also cited the growing scope and sophistication of bilateral and multilateral exercises and engagements as evidence of the alliance's continuing development.

“The strength of our alliance is evident in the success, sophistication, and growing scope of our bilateral and multilateral exercises, engagements, and people-to-people exchanges,” Andolong noted.

He said such efforts have enhanced interoperability and strengthened deterrence while demonstrating the two countries’ resolve to support regional security and stability.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to building a more sustainable, agile, and productive partnership anchored on mutual respect, shared interests, and adherence to international law,” Andolong concluded.