Cebu’s contributions to Philippine-American relations, from manufacturing and trade to tourism and education, took center stage as the United States brought its 250th independence anniversary celebration outside Manila for a reception in Cebu.
US Ambassador Lee Lipton highlighted the province’s longstanding partnership with the United States and nearly $400 million in American investments across Cebu and the wider Visayas region during “Freedom 250: An Evening in White Celebrating 250 Years of U.S. Independence” on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Mactan, the gathering brought together Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan and her husband, Lapu-Lapu City lone district Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan, and officials from regional and local government offices.
“It was really important for America’s 250 birthday, we not only celebrate our independence in Manila, but also here in Cebu,” Lipton said.
The yearlong Freedom 250 campaign commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The US Embassy held its Independence Day reception in Manila on July 2 before bringing the celebration to Cebu.
Lipton cited Cebu’s importance in tourism, shipping, commerce, education and industry, describing the province as a longstanding partner of the United States.
“Our relationship with the Philippines spans nearly 1/2 of America’s 250th year history. Throughout that time, Cebu has been a strong, strong, strong partner to America,” he said.
American companies have invested nearly $400 million in Cebu and the wider Visayas, Lipton said. Their operations supply critical goods, including electronic components, medical equipment and semiconductors, and support thousands of jobs for Filipinos and Americans.
He also cited Timex, an American company operating in Cebu that was selected to produce watches for the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.
Beyond manufacturing and trade, Lipton pointed to cooperation in agriculture, health care and education as areas for further collaboration. He also noted the popularity of ube in American restaurants and grocery stores, adding that he makes an ube piña colada at his restaurant.
The ambassador said the two countries could deepen cooperation in security, business skills and people-to-people exchanges.
“We can do more. We want to do more. We will do more,” Lipton said.
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrenita Austria, who delivered the Philippine side’s toast, said the celebration coincides with the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-US alliance.
Austria described the United States as the Philippines’ only treaty ally and one of its most important economic partners. She also cited the United States as a major source of investment and tourism and home to about four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans.
“Here in Cebu, we see that relationship in very real and tangible ways,” Austria said, underscoring the province’s role as a tourism and investment hub and the growing presence of American companies in the area.
She also pointed to the cultural links between the countries, including the influence of American education, language, music and films on Filipinos and the growing appreciation of Filipino culture in the United States.
Austria said families, students, entrepreneurs, artists, professionals and service members help sustain the relationship beyond formal diplomatic ties.
“Our work then is to nurture them and ensure that they continue to serve our people,” she said.
She added that the friendship had endured changes in administrations and geopolitical challenges, supported by mutual trust, shared interests and a common pursuit of peace, security and prosperity.
“As we look back tonight, we celebrate not only the history that brought us here, but also the future that we continue to build together,” Austria said.
Lipton said he and his wife, Erika, had felt the warmth of the Filipino people since arriving in the Philippines in late June.
He closed by inviting guests to toast the United States’ 250th birthday and its relationship with the Philippines.
Photo by Kaiser Jan Fuentes
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