ASEAN, US join Philippines in celebrating 128th Independence Day

The Philippines' neighbors in the ASEAN and the US on Friday joined the country in celebrating its 128th Independence Day.

In a congratulatory letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn commended the country’s achievements in advancing national development and progress.

“At the regional level, I commend the Philippines on its substantial contributions to ASEAN Community-building and regional integration efforts, particularly during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026,” Hourn said.

“Through its leadership, the Philippines has helped steer ASEAN’s collective efforts in responding to evolving regional and global challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, economic resilience, energy and food security, as well as the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future,” he added.

Hourn also congratulated the country for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, which took place from May 6 to May 8 in Cebu.

“The ASEAN Secretariat stands ready to extend its full support to the Philippines and all the ASEAN Member States in realising the vision of a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community in 2045,” he said.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Philippines and the US commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“The United States is unwavering in our ironclad mutual defense commitments as our two countries mark 75 years of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said.

“The United States stands proudly alongside the Philippines in its ASEAN Chair year as friends, partners, and Allies committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added. –NB, GMA News