Philippine Embassy in DC Celebrates Independence Day and 80 Years of U.S. Ties at Library of Congress
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy brought together top officials from Manila and Washington on June 5 to celebrate two milestones at once: the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 80th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. diplomatic relations.
The reception, held in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress, drew Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, members of Congress, foreign diplomats, and business leaders. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez hosted the event at the Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in the country.
Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
A Story Told Through Symbols
In her remarks, Secretary Lazaro used two touchstones of Filipino identity — the centuries-old Murillo Velarde Map and the postwar jeepney, adapted from surplus U.S. military jeeps — to illustrate how the Philippines has continually reshaped its history into a forward-looking partnership with the United States. She pointed to eight decades of progress across political-security cooperation, economic ties, and the contributions of the Filipino diaspora in the U.S.
Calling the alliance a partnership “built on shared sacrifices,” Lazaro urged Filipinos and Filipino Americans to see themselves as ambassadors of the nation’s ongoing story, telling the audience: “You are our diplomats, you are our hope, and you are our future.”
Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Washington Reaffirms the Alliance
Under Secretary Hooker echoed that sentiment on behalf of the U.S. government, congratulating the Philippines and pointing to growing cooperation in areas like maritime security, critical minerals, health, and emerging technology. She described the relationship in personal terms, telling the room the two nations are “not just allies” but “friends” and “family.”
Newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton also attended, alongside senior U.S. officials.
Bipartisan Support on Display
The event underscored strong bipartisan backing for the alliance in Congress. Representatives Robert “Bobby” Scott of Virginia and James Moylan of Guam, who co-chair the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, served as guests of honor.
Scott, the only sitting member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, shared his family’s immigration story and noted the significance of returning to Congress generations later to represent the country his grandfather once left. He also highlighted a bipartisan congressional resolution recently introduced to mark the 80th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. diplomatic ties.
Moylan spoke to the historic connection between Guam and the Philippines, describing the two island communities as bound by shared history, geography, and resilience.
Ambassador Romualdez closed the program with a toast to the two nations’ friendship, expressing hope that the bond continues for decades to come.
Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Culture at the Center
The evening wove Filipino heritage throughout the program. The University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla performed the Philippine and U.S. national anthems along with a traditional piece, “Palo Sebo.” A cultural exhibit featured Philippine textiles, mother-of-pearl and basket-weave crafts, and formal Filipino attire, including garments once worn by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. A virtual exhibit traced milestones from the 1946 independence ceremonies through decades of presidential visits and the evolution of the U.S.-Philippines security alliance. Guests also enjoyed a Filipino halo-halo dessert bar.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., Press and Information Section (Press Release WDC-35-2026, June 5, 2026)