Since the beginning of the year, the U.S. has signaled broadening economic engagement in the Philippines in specific issue areas. The February 24 virtual economic forum hosted by the Philippine Embassy focused on immense opportunities for post-pandemic US-PH collaboration in support of the Philippine government's ambitious goal of cutting green gas emissions by 75% by 2030 through affordable, accessible, and sustainable sources of clean energy including nuclear. Panelists representing the PH government led by Secretary Carlos Dominguez and representatives from U.S. government agencies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the private sector reflected a commitment to maintain ongoing discussion on priority policies to mitigate climate change impact and in support of developing more energy self-reliance by promoting investments in indigenous sources. Secretary Dominguez offered assurances that these initiatives will continue through the PH election and into the next administration. Historically, the Philippines has transitioned well through national elections and will remain a reliable host for international partnerships. Other key discussion points:

Signed into law, game-changing Philippine economic reforms - CREATE, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investments Act, amendments to the Public Services Act that govern the delivery of public services - will open up to 100 percent foreign equity in telecommunications, airports, railways, expressways, tollways and shipping among top industries that are excluded from the definition of "Public Utility." According to a senate committee member, these measures will attract foreign investors to the Philippines "sharing their knowledge, expertise, skills and technical know-how and allow Filipinos to broaden and enhance their competitiveness in both domestic and international labor markets."

At the January 17 Philippine Export Zoning Authority (PEZA) virtual forum, PEZA Director General Charito Plaza invited American companies to choose the Philippines. U.S. Charge D’Affaires to the Philippines Heather Variava said the U.S. has offered to boost investments in clean energy, 5G Internet, and government digitalization.

PEZA provides a one-stop-shop for export-processing companies including 420 American company locators with combined $6.761 billion worth of exports and employing 330,906 Filipinos. Ecozones represent a vital, tangible subset of a more broadly-based pattern of U.S.-Philippine economic engagement that is rooted in history and now geared to meet 21st century needs and realities. Indo-Pacific policy thinkers in government increasingly attach strategic value to business and commercial ties between our two countries, as a complement to enhanced security and political relations, and cooperation on global challenges of the pandemic, climate change, and other transnational threats.

The US-Philippines Society co-sponsored a February 2 virtual forum featuring USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Craig Hart and Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez along with private sector executives National Resilience Council President Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation President Rene Meily and moderator Southeast Asia Forum Chair William Wise. Panelists described the effective partnership between the United States and the Philippines, and regionally, through technology, effective communication, community engagement and other tools to combat climate change. The panel cited specific examples of wide-ranging government and non-government US-Philippines partnerships, including the CAMP2Ex program, George Mason University-Ateneo de Manila University project on city evacuation, University of Hawaii and Philippine technical experts, Energy Secure Philippines and Climate Resilient Cities Initiative.

In presenting his new book, Strategy of Denial, to Philippine audiences in a March 10 “virtual discussion,” author Elbridge Colby outlined his call for U.S. policy planners to adopt a more sharply focused strategic framework for dealing with a resurgent China. Colby reminded participants that the post-Cold War unipolar global structure has been eclipsed over the past 20 years by the rise of China, with its growing military force and power projection capabilities. Colby’s thesis is that to ensure peace and security, and protect America’s vital interests in the Indo-Pacific, Beijing should be denied opportunities to establish regional hegemony. While not advocating creation of a NATO-like defense alliance, the author underscored the importance of an “anti-hegemonic coalition” to preserve territorial and policy independence of countries along China’s periphery, including the Philippines.

At the request of the East-West Center in Washington, the Society served as a peer reviewer for a series of ten articles on U.S.-Philippines relations. The papers, authored by academics from Ateneo’s Department of Political Science, covered four broad categories: politics and security, commerce, development, and education, and will be released in tandem with the E/W Center’s long-running “Asia Matters for America” initiative.

We extend special thanks to members and partners of the US-Philippines Society for lending their time and expertise to the peer review process, including Greg Poling of CSIS on Maritime Security; Dr. Frank Jenista on Historical Ties; Scott Butcher on U.S.-PH Security Issues; Atty Ron Baumgarten (Baker Hostetler) on Trade Relations; John Forbes of AmCham on Investment and Energy; USAID (with Craig Hart) on Development Partnerships; Dr. Ernesto Garilao of the Zuellig Family Foundation on Health Initiatives; and Dr. Bernardita Churchill of U.P. on two education papers.

The Society's participation in this project is part of a broader ongoing initiative by the American Embassy in Manila to commemorate the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The US-Philippines Society joined Filipinos and Americans world-wide in mourning the loss of legendary Filipinos who advocated for Filipino causes through effective use of diplomacy.

The US-Philippines mourned the passing of Founding Director Bobby Romulo, In 2012, he helped to spearhead an initiative to form the US-Philippines Society and gathered support widely in the Philippines and the United States.

Frankie José had unique ties to America and deep understanding of Americans and American culture—and idiosyncrasies. They stemmed from his wide contacts with Americans throughout his writing career, links to US universities, travel, and through “Solidaridad,” the legendary bookstore/publishing house in Ermita that drew so many American visitors. His American connection flowered through his and Tessie’s seven children who settled in the United States.

In observance of the 36th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines issued a letter reflecting on the events of February 1986 and the preceding Martial Law period. The letter notes that the May elections are approaching and addresses people “whatever your political color.” It is in that spirit, that we share the text of the CBCP letter.

While the US-Philippines Society remains committed to non-partisanship in electoral matters, an important element of the Society’s mission is raising awareness of Philippine history and the enduring ties between our two nations and peoples. Society programming over the past decade has explored many facets of that history. In that context and in light of the key role of Church leaders during the People Power Revolution, we call attention to the CBCP’s perspective now in addressing questions it sees as a distortion of that history and the impact on the post-EDSA generation. The letter concludes with an appeal for unity, truth and faith.

Rene “Butch” Meily, a Filipino-American and author of an upcoming memoir, "From Manila to Wall Street and Back – An Immigrant’s Journey with Reginald Lewis" shares his personal experience working with his former employer, Reginald Lewis, a successful black American. Meily related their special kinship as people of color who pursued their versions of the American Dream, no matter how high the price might be.