U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson Bids Farewell, Celebrates Stronger Ties With the Philippines
By: Nonnette C. Bennett
MANILA, Philippines — As she prepares to conclude her posting in the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson reflected on her three-and-a-half years in the country, highlighting the warmth of the Filipino people, the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, and the cultural connections that have defined her tenure in her official statement dated 16 January 2026.
Carlson, who described her ambassadorship as the “highlight of my forty-year career,” recalled advice she received before arriving in Manila: to choose a song she would be willing to sing in public. Though unfamiliar with karaoke at the time, she said she quickly learned that in the Philippines, “it’s not about how well you sing; it’s about the shared experience that helps build meaningful relationships.”
Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships
The Ambassador emphasized that the U.S.-Philippines relationship “has never been stronger or more consequential,” citing a recent poll showing that 82 percent of Filipinos trust the United States as their premier security partner. She pointed to the surge of high-level visits from U.S. officials and business leaders as proof of Washington’s commitment to Manila.
Carlson noted that in 2025 alone, the U.S. provided more than $313 million in foreign assistance to support health programs, energy security, economic development, and environmental protection. She also highlighted the launch of the Luzon Economic Corridor, a joint initiative with Japan, aimed at boosting infrastructure, job creation, and sustainable growth.
Defense and Security Cooperation
On the military front, Carlson underscored the “ironclad alliance” between the two nations. She cited the expansion of the annual Balikatan exercises, the establishment of Task Force Philippines, and more than 500 joint security activities conducted annually over the past three years. These efforts, she said, have enhanced interoperability and readiness to deter emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific.
The U.S. also provided significant support for defense modernization, including technology transfers to strengthen the Philippine Armed Forces and Coast Guard. Maritime assistance programs, she added, have promoted freedom of navigation and countered coercion in the West Philippine Sea.
People-to-People Ties
Beyond diplomacy and defense, Carlson celebrated the cultural and personal bonds between Filipinos and Americans. She praised the work of over 170 Peace Corps volunteers and highlighted exchange programs that advance cooperation in areas such as civil nuclear energy. She also shared her fondness for Filipino food, basketball, and the country’s famously long Christmas season.
As she departs, Carlson said she will carry with her the Filipino holiday classic “Kumukutikutitap” by Ryan Cayabyab, a song she described as embodying the joy and spirit of the Philippines.
Looking Ahead
The Ambassador noted that 2026 will mark several milestones: 80 years of diplomatic ties, the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, America’s 250th birthday, the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, and the 10th anniversary of the UNCLOS ruling affirming Philippine maritime claims.
“Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines has been an honor,” Carlson said. “Maraming, maraming salamat at hanggang sa muli.”
