The Philippines and the United States launched the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which formally began on July 4, 1946. Leading the launch at the Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City were Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Y. Robert Ewing.

“That important moment in 1946 remains one of the most consequential dates in Philippine history,” Ambassador Romualdez remarked, adding that it marked “not just the birth of a sovereign republic, but the beginning of a unique relationship between two nations.”

“We are proud of what we have accomplished side by side – balikatan – from shoulder-to-shoulder in times of conflict, to advancing economic growth, to joining forces on health, education, and disaster-response priorities,” Charge d’Affaires Ewing said, describing the relationship as “on hyperdrive.”

According to Romualdez, the unveiling of the logo signifies “eight decades of shared struggles, shared values, and shared aspiration.”

Over four million Filipino-Americans live and work in the US, while an estimated 375,000 Americans are in the Philippines.