“Serving here has been the greatest honor of my forty years as a United States diplomat,” Carlson said, recalling the warmth and generosity she and her spouse, Aubrey, received from Filipinos across the country — from bustling cities to the most remote islands.

She emphasized that people-to-people ties remain the foundation of the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines. In 2024 alone, more than 1.3 million U.S. citizens visited the Philippines, strengthening bonds of family, friendship, and shared history.

Carlson also cited the continued service of 170 Peace Corps Volunteers nationwide, part of more than 9,500 volunteers who have served in the Philippines since 1961. She noted recent memoranda of understanding facilitated by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation — the world’s oldest continuously operating Fulbright Commission — aimed at advancing workforce development, particularly in the civil nuclear sector.

During her tenure, Carlson said the two countries worked closely in times of crisis, including coordinated disaster response efforts following Typhoons Tino, Uwan, and Crising. These efforts included 32 U.S. military airlift missions delivering food and humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

She highlighted broader cooperation in innovation and economic growth, including support for Filipino small businesses in the digital economy and the establishment of a new Regional Foreign Assistance section administering more than $313 million in aid. The assistance supports energy resilience, combats illegal fishing, improves health outcomes, and boosts private sector growth.

Carlson also underscored the launch of a trilateral initiative with Japan and the Philippines to catalyze high-impact infrastructure investment in the Luzon Economic Corridor, aimed at improving transportation, energy, and logistics efficiency across the country’s most populous region.

On security cooperation, Carlson reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, noting that the two treaty allies planned more than 500 combined joint military activities annually over the past three years, including the largest-ever Balikatan exercise scheduled for 2025.

“Together, we have defended international law in the South China Sea and upheld the rights of Filipino fisherfolk,” she said. “Our alliance is truly ironclad, and our shared commitment has never been stronger.”

Carlson concluded by thanking the U.S. Embassy team and Philippine partners for their collaboration and friendship.

“To all of you here tonight — each of you has played a vital role in the success of our alliance,” she said, raising a toast. “Our friendship is strong, our partnership vibrant, and our future bright. Maraming, maraming salamat.”

This year’s cycle highlighted non U.S. headquartered companies making significant contributions in education, environment, livelihood, healthcare, disaster response, and community engagement.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson praised the awardees for championing purpose driven leadership and advancing shared prosperity between Filipinos, Americans, and partner communities.

AmCham Philippines President Sara Murphy also thanked members for their continued engagement and commitment to responsible business practices. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo reinforced government support for private sector programs that empower communities and strengthen industries.

Senior AmCham leaders, including Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe, joined partners and finalists in recognizing this year’s top initiatives.

The highest honor, the Impact Excellence Award, went to Pilmico Foods Corporation for Project Silk, an inclusive program supporting yellow corn farmers and promoting resilient agricultural communities. Project Silk was selected from all Gold Awardees across the first two cycles for its measurable impact, strong community participation, and potential for replication.

Category Winners

Education and Future Workforce
Gold: Nezda Technologies Inc. – Nezda FEES
Silver: Frontier Tower Associates Philippines Inc. – Frontier Towers Scholarship Program
Bronze: Quezon Power Philippines and San Buenaventura Power – Technical Vocational Scholarship Program
MSME: Hamlin Iturralde Corporation (TeamAsia) – My Dream in a Shoebox

Environmental Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
Gold: Aboitiz Power Corporation Therma Visayas – Carbon Sink Management Program
Silver: Converge ICT Solutions – Countdown to Zero Waste
Silver: Reckitt – Mortein Anti Dengue Campaign with Makati LGU
Bronze: Quezon Power and SBPL – Mangrove Reforestation Program
MSME: Raslag Corporation – Agricultural Photovoltaics Project 2025

Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Development
Gold: Pilmico Foods Corporation – Project Silk
Silver: PMFTC – Project KainBigan
Bronze: Aboitiz Power Corporation – Skills Training Program
MSME: Science Park of the Philippines – Kaagapay sa Hanapbuhay

Healthcare Equity and Support
Gold: BDO Unibank – Rural Health Unit Rehabilitation
Silver: Reckitt – ComeTogether Youth Education Campaign
Bronze: AstraZeneca Philippines – Young Health Programme

Disaster Response and Emergency Relief
Gold: GMA Network – Operation Bayanihan
Silver: BDO Unibank – Relief and Disaster Response
Bronze: Reckitt – Lysol Disinfect to Protect Mission
MSME: Clark International Airport Corporation – Relief Aid Mission Bangon Batangas

Community Impact and Civic Engagement

Gold: Thomson Reuters – Duyan Foundation Outreach
Silver: Pilmico Foods Corporation – Adopt A City Program
Bronze: Vena Energy – Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program
SME: Gerodias Suchianco Estrella Law Firm – Kaanib sa Misyon

Finalists were evaluated by an independent panel composed of Ma. Corazon Halili Dichosa of the Board of Investments, Paul Taylor of the United States Embassy, and Ruy Moreno of the Philippine Quality Awards Foundation. Entries were assessed based on impact, sustainability, innovation, scalability, community engagement, alignment, and communication effectiveness. AmCham Philippines had no involvement in the judging process.

The AmCham Corporate Social Impact Awards will continue as an annual program encouraging organizations to pursue impactful and scalable initiatives that strengthen communities and support national development.

The deployment—coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—includes US Marine Corps and Air Force Ospreys and MC-130J aircraft under the US Indo-Pacific Command. These assets have been mobilized to support airlift operations from Clark Air Base to remote areas, including Basco in Batanes.

On July 30 and 31, the tiltrotor Ospreys successfully transported 600 family food packs (FFPs) and emergency relief items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to Basco, under the guidance of the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and AFP.

Operations are ongoing to deliver an additional 5,700 DSWD-provided food packs to other storm-hit areas in the coming days.

“The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our Filipino allies, especially in responding to disasters,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. “We are grateful to the combined relief and rescue teams who have been working tirelessly on the ground to deliver emergency assistance to affected residents.”

The US Embassy in Manila has been working closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), OCD, DSWD, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to ramp up emergency relief efforts in Central and Northern Luzon.

As of July 29, WFP—with ₱13.8 million ($250,000) in funding from the US Department of State—had deployed trucks to deliver more than 47,700 DSWD family food packs to Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan. The supplies have helped more than 200,000 residents impacted by widespread flooding and landslides.

US military aircraft and personnel remain on standby to provide further assistance as the Philippines continues recovery operations in affected provinces.

This support, coursed through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, will help transport vital food aid to communities in areas among the hardest hit by the recent weather events: Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.

“We are tracking the devastation caused by the storms and floods and are deeply concerned for all those affected,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson in a news release.

“The US Embassy’s interagency team is coordinating closely with the Philippine government and the WFP to ensure aid reaches those in need,” she added.

Over the past several weeks, intense monsoon rains worsened by Typhoons Crising (Wipha), Dante (Francisco), and Emong (Co-may) have led to catastrophic flooding and landslides across the country, claiming at least 34 lives, injuring 18, and leaving 7 people missing. More than 6.6 million individuals have been affected, with over 53,000 families forced into evacuation centers.

Government said infrastructural damage is extensive, with ₱7.36 billion in estimated losses, including destruction to hundreds of road sections and bridges, paralyzing transportation and logistics. At least 15,220 homes have been damaged, while agricultural losses have soared to ₱1.68 billion, affecting more than 50,000 farmers and damaging nearly 48,400 hectares of cropland.

Flooding has been reported in over 500 areas, with 30 landslides logged nationwide. Numerous provinces and cities, including parts of Metro Manila, have declared a state of calamity as the country continues to grapple with the cumulative effects of the disasters.

The US assistance underscores the enduring partnership between the two countries especially in times of crisis.

Relief efforts by local and national government units are ongoing, as new assessments are expected from still-inaccessible areas.

“[This] alliance, forged in war, lives on in peace,” Ambassador Carlson declared before an audience of American and Filipino military personnel, diplomats, veterans, and family members. “As we face the uncertainties of our modern world, we are reminded on this solemn day that our strength comes from the character of those willing to give everything in the name of something greater.”

Carlson’s speech echoed the historical roots of the U.S.-Philippine defense relationship, built on shared sacrifice during World War II. She drew a direct line from the bloody battles of the 1940s to the current threats confronting the Philippines in its sovereign waters, where Chinese incursions have intensified in recent months.

“U.S.-Philippine sacrifices are not confined to the past. They echo in every flag raised, in every liberty defended, and in every act of unity between our two nations,” she said.

The ambassador’s tribute included a moving account of First Lieutenant Albert “Jack” Ellison, a 24-year-old paratrooper in the U.S. 11th Airborne Division, who was killed while leading a rescue mission during the Battle of Manila in February 1945.

Known to his men as “The Cowboy” for his calm demeanor under fire, Ellison died in what is now the U.S. Embassy’s Seafront compound — once the site of the Manila Polo Club. His valor earned him a posthumous Silver Star.

“He was extremely cool under fire… a gentleman in every sense of the word… his courage and bravery were beyond compare,” Carlson quoted from a letter written by Ellison’s chaplain to his grieving father.

As Carlson stood before more than 17,000 white marble headstones and the names of 36,000 missing inscribed on the walls, she called on attendees to honor not only those who died in the past, but also the ideals for which they fought: liberty, democracy, and peace.

“Let us remember them in silence or ceremony, but also in how we live – in how we honor their legacy by upholding the values they died for,” she said.

The commemoration comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, as Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels continue to harass Filipino fishermen and patrols in the West Philippine Sea — despite repeated diplomatic protests and calls for restraint.

The ceremony served both as remembrance and a signal: that the U.S. commitment to the Philippines, formalized in their Mutual Defense Treaty, remains “ironclad,” especially as regional security challenges mount.

“Freedom is never free,” Carlson said. “And may we never forget the price they paid – here on these islands and across the world – so that others might live free.”

In his remarks during the 80th year commemoration of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery, Paparo stressed the enduring U.S.-Philippines partnership.

“Our nations have stood together for decades, confronting common challenges and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of freedom and our enduring partnership,” he said.

Paparo said the U.S. remains steadfast in its support for the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. “The United States is committed to the defense and security of the Philippines, and we will continue to work together to deter aggression and uphold international law,” he added.

During his visit, Admiral Paparo engaged with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

According to the US embassy, the discussions focused on vital security concerns, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and counterterrorism efforts.

One key moment of the visit was a meeting between Admiral Paparo and Secretary of National Defense and Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and overall capacity to counter illegal and coercive actions in the region.

Paparo also honored the memory of U.S. and Filipino World War II veterans at the ceremony at the American cemetery.

The ceremony, attended by both U.S. and Philippine dignitaries, paid tribute to over 1,000 American soldiers and more than 100,000 Filipino civilians who perished during the battle to liberate the Philippine capital.

The U.S.-Philippines Alliance, which has been in place since 1951, continues to ensure peace and stability in the region, with a shared commitment to transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.

Ongoing modernization efforts, such as joint exercises like Balikatan, are further strengthening bilateral interoperability across various domains, including land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace.

In its news release, the U.S. embassy said USINDOPACOM works to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, its mission remains clear: to promote security cooperation, support peaceful development, respond to contingencies, deter aggression, and, when necessary, prevail in conflict.

“All of us know how much women business owners—both in the informal and formal sectors—contribute to and drive economic prosperity in the Philippines,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in her remarks at the first-ever AWE Philippines Summit on November 9 to mark the business training program’s third anniversary. “With AWE, we have prioritized reaching women entrepreneurs who face the highest hurdles when it comes to accessing the essential tools of entrepreneurship: finance, support networks, mentors.”

The inaugural summit in Manila gathered more than 80 AWE alumni from Bacolod, Bohol, Cebu, Manila, Marawi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City, and Zamboanga del Sur to participate in panel sessions, networking activities, and workshops by American business experts. Another 40 AWE graduates gathered in Bacolod City on November 11 for a one-day networking and workshop session with summit organizers.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona also attended the summit in Manila.

“Even before the pandemic, we, at the Department of Trade and Industry, follow closely the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act 9710 passed in 2009, which provides specific interventions of DTI to promote women’s economic empowerment.  With these and other initiatives, I am confident that our women entrepreneurs can rebuild better and contribute greatly to the country’s economic recovery,” DTI Undersecretary Lantayona said.

“Whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative concepts or micro and small business owners seeking fresh perspectives, this summit serves as a gateway to innovation, business growth, and unparalleled networking opportunities.  It is a dynamic learning experience where our women entrepreneurs unite to embark on a path to entrepreneurial excellence,” SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves said.

AWE is a hybrid learning program that offers courses on market research, laws and regulations, business plan creation, cash flow projection, and digital marketing for Filipino women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including survivors of violence, illegal trafficking, and natural disasters, as well as innovators in sustainable development, technology, and agriculture.  Graduates also benefit from a network of more than 25,000 women entrepreneurs across 100 countries. 

In March, Filipino entrepreneur Senith Araez received the AWE Outstanding Achievement Award for her exemplary leadership and contributions to women’s empowerment in her community at the first regional AWE Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Araez founded Whistler Travel and Tours in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, which mostly employs single mothers or women who are family breadwinners.  She is representing the Philippines at the 2023 AWE Indo-Pacific Women in Tech Summit at Taipei, Taiwan, on November 14-16.

For women entrepreneurs interested in joining AWE, follow American Spaces Philippines on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amspacesph/ and Instagram @amspacesph for updates and additional information on the admission process.

In its post, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said, “We stand with our Philippines allies in the face of dangerous actions by the People’s Republic of China Coast Guard and maritime militia to obstruct a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.”

Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko said in his post, “Totally unacceptable any harassment & actions which infringe on lawful activities of the sea and endanger the navigational safety. We strongly support the Philippines’ position; upholding maritime order based on UNCLOS & 2016 Arbitral Award.”

For her part, Australian envoy to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu said, “The latest actions directed against the Philippines, which are dangerous and destabilising,” it says. “We reiterate our call for peace, stability, and respect for UNCLOS in the South China Sea – a vital international waterway.”

The Philippine Coast Guard made their official statement through PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, CG Commodore Jay Tarriela and it says:

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels escorting the indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday, 05 August 2023.

These boats were delivering food, water, fuel and other supplies to our military troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Such actions by the CCG not only disregarded the safety of the PCG crew and the supply boats but also violated international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The PCG calls on the China Coast Guard to restrain its forces, respect the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, refrain from hampering freedom of navigation, and take appropriate actions against the individuals involved in this unlawful incident.

We ask that the China Coast Guard, as an organization with a responsibility to observe state obligations under UNCLOS, COLREGs, and other relevant instruments of international maritime safety and security, to cease all illegal activities within the maritime zones of the Philippines.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson joined Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna and Gerry Roxas Foundation Executive Director Glen de Castro to announce the 11 grants that will support efforts to conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife, and implement natural climate solutions.  The grants were provided under USAID’s Investing in Sustainability and Partnership for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Project.

The recipient organizations are BaiAni Foundation, CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Diliman Science Research Foundation, Impl. Project Philippines, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Mabuwaya Foundation, Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, Tanggol Kalikasan, University of Santo Tomas Research and Endowment Foundation, and Xavier Agricultural Extension Services Foundation.

The Mabuwaya Foundation plans to use their grant to protect the intact forests of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Cagayan by addressing illegal logging and conversion of forest lands for agricultural use.  Xavier Agricultural Extension Service Foundation’s grant will strengthen community-based initiatives to restore and protect the mangrove forests and other marine ecosystems in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Carlson affirmed civil society organizations’ critical role in translating conservation agreements into actions.

“Through these grants, we are advancing sustainable local solutions that will help communities address the unique climate challenges they face,” Ambassador Carlson said.  “These grants contribute to our shared goal of a more resilient future where both people and nature thrive.”

“We are one with USAID and INSPIRE in the quest for an increased and a more meaningful participation and engagement of all sectors [of society].  DENR is grateful for the continued partnership and we look forward to deepening our engagement as we work toward creating a more equitable world for all,” DENR Undersecretary Cuna said.

For more than six decades, USAID has partnered with the Philippine government and local organizations to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.  Since 2021, USAID has provided more than Php620 million ($11.7 million) to civil society organizations to amplify their efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and uplifting the lives of Filipino communities.

During the event, Ambassador Carlson said, “This truly is a celebration of two companies coming together, but I’d like to say, of two nations. We at the embassy use a social media hashtag—#PartnersInProsperity, we are excited to grow with the Philippines, to be partners in prosperity of both of our nations and this is a great example today. This MOU signing is a great follow-on event to President Marcos’ visit to the United States recently.”

For his part, Secretary Pascual, speaking as the Chairman of the National Development Corporation (NDC) said that the MOU signing is a testament to the outcome of the Philippine government’s efforts to strengthen the Philippines-United States economic relations, especially following the recent Official Visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Washington, D.C. Since 1917, Chevron has represented the US’ continued partnership with the Philippines in terms of exploring various trade and investment potentials. For him, this momentous occasion is a proof of the government’s intensified investment promotion campaigns materializing.

“We are delighted to know that there is this intent on the part of Chevron Philippines and Batangas Land, as documented in this MOU to renew the lease on Batangas Land’s assets. This is a testament to continued investor confidence in the Philippines. And it signifies the country’s ability to provide a long-term enabling environment for growth of global companies that choose to do business in the country,” Secretary Pascual said in his message.

Chevron primarily markets Caltex’s fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum products in the Philippines. It operates through its two subsidiaries in the country, Chevron Philippines, Inc. and Chevron Holdings, Inc. The Company has nearly 600 Caltex service stations in the Philippines, which offer a wide range of petroleum products, including Caltex with Techron gasoline, Caltex Dieser with Techron D, kerosene, lubricants, and fuel additives.

With the MOU signed, BLCI, a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), which is a subsidiary of the National Development Company (NDC) chaired by DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, entered into an agreement with CPI to renew the latter’s lease of certain parcels of land where the company’s energy infrastructure is situated until 2050.

The renewal of CPI’s lease for another 25 years signifies the reinforcement of the continuing partnership of the Philippines and the US and is expected to contribute greatly to the Philippine government’s efforts to facilitate economic recovery and expansion.

It can be recalled that during the recent Official Visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. together with Secretary Pascual and other members of the Philippine delegation to Washington, D.C., they were able to secure PHP1.3 billion worth of investment pledges from American companies, a potential significant contribution in the achievement of the country’s investment target this year.

In closing, Secretary Pascual highlighted that this collaboration between CPI and BLCI is essential in fulfilling one of the country’s most important objectives—pursuing energy security. This shall help address energy supply and cost-related challenges and will provide Filipino consumers access to reliable, safe, and affordable energy.

The MOU signing ceremony was also attended by DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla, NDC General Manager Antonilo Mauricio, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Government Corporate Counsel Justice Rogelio Quevedo, Batangas Land Company, Inc. President Lilia Arce, and Chevron Philippines, Inc. Country Chairman Billy Liu.