PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has brought home the bacon from Washington, DC.

He arrived in the country on Sunday carrying the good news to the Filipino people that the country’s alliance with the US and other allied nations has become stronger.

Such improved alliance is bolstered by security and economic engagements and ‘close people-to-people ties’.

“As I return to the Philippines tomorrow, I will bring the good news to our people that our alliance with the United States has become stronger, bolstered by our economic engagements, close people to people ties, and reinforced by our growing friendship and cooperation with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region like Japan,” President Marcos said a day before his arrival in the Philippines.

He made the statement in his keynote address during a dinner hosted for him in Washington, DC by the US-Philippines Society (USPS).

“More importantly, I bring home the commitment from our three countries to sustain the momentum of this increasingly close partnership in the years to come, all for the benefit of our people and for the security of our region,” he said.

The President told the gathering that increased business sector linkages and people-to-people exchanges have matched the accelerated pace of their engagements across all levels of government.

The two nations have been collaborating well in defense and security, trade and investment, food security, energy security, renewable energy, combating climate change, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he pointed out.

The President also highlighted the importance of the Philippines-US alliance, noting it significantly contributes to the country’s ability to defend itself and address security threats.

It addresses those challenges through US assistance to and support for the Philippines’ Armed Forces’ modernization program; frequent joint exercises and training resulting in enhanced interoperability and honing the skills of the two militaries; and increased deterrence by highlighting the strength of the alliance.

According to the President, he was further reassured by the declarations made by US President Joe Biden and his officials to consider their country’s commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) as ironclad.

Another key pillar in the relationship is economic cooperation, which is very important for the Philippines, the chief executive stressed.

“Economic cooperation with the United States is, of course, a priority and it is paramount to the Philippines,” said the President.

The US-Philippines Society is a bi-national, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sound business and investment ties, modernizing the 21st-century strategic relationship, encouraging improved understanding of Philippine culture, and expanding knowledge of the shared history linking the Philippines and the US.

The President deserves a round of applause.

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