U.S. honors Filipino WWII veterans in Tagum visit

As the United States and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic ties, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing honored Filipino war veterans at a Congressional Gold Medal awarding ceremony— the first of its kind in Tagum and the second time in Mindanao.

In Davao, he met with public and private sector leaders and students to deepen economic and people-to-people ties.

In Tagum, Ewing joined Philippine Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, and Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib at the 45th presentation of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal.

It is the highest civilian honor conferred by the U.S. Congress.

The medals delivered in Tagum were authorized under the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.

The Congressional Gold Medals recognize the valor and sacrifice of Filipino veterans who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. forces in the Pacific during World War II.

The first-ever Congressional Gold Medal was approved by the Continental Congress in 1776 and awarded to George Washington, reflecting the long history of U.S. civilian recognition that the embassy said underscores enduring U.S.-Philippines ties.

The United States and the Philippines established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946, and 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of that milestone.

“When their nation called, they stepped forward. They answered,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ewing.

“And in doing so, they not only shaped the course of history but also forged the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States – a relationship built on shared sacrifice, mutual trust, and deeply held values.”

“The number of living Filipino World War II veterans continues to decline with each passing day, but through commemoration activities and recognition such as the awarding of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II veterans, their heroic legacy will live on,” said Mapagu.

In Davao, Ewing toured the National Museum of the Philippines–Davao at People’s Park with City Councilors Rachel Zozobrado and Ragde Niño Ibuyan, Davao City Investment Promotion Center officer-in-charge April Marie Dayap, and Philippine alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.

The visit aimed to deepen understanding of Davao City and Mindanao’s heritage and natural resources while discussing partnership opportunities to promote U.S.-Philippines prosperity.

Davao City officials expressed interest in exploring trade and investment opportunities, education and exchange programs, and revitalizing sister-city relationships.

Ewing also joined city councilors for a group photo in front of Davao City Hall, which is marking its 100th anniversary.

The embassy noted the building shares a connection with the U.S. Embassy in Manila because both were designed by Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano.

At a general membership meeting of the Mindanao chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ewing spoke about efforts to enhance supply chain resilience and expand energy cooperation.

He also underscored opportunities for two-way trade and investment, including the upcoming SelectUSA Investment Summit, which the embassy described as a Trump administration priority initiative to promote investment into the United States.

Ewing highlighted U.S.-Philippines education partnerships during a visit with Filipino participants in the U.S. Embassy’s English Access Scholarship Program.

The program is a two-year, intensive after-school initiative that seeks to expand academic and employment opportunities for public school students ages 13–15 through English language instruction.

“Chargé d’Affaires Ewing’s visit to the 50 English Access Scholarship Program students highlights the strong commitment to youth development and educational partnership. His presence affirms the scholars’ potential and inspires them to strive for excellence, leaving a lasting impact,” said Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Reynante Solitario.

“The United States and the Philippines share more than an ironclad Alliance,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ewing.

“We share a deep and enduring friendship and a commitment to partnerships that deliver concrete benefits for the American people while strengthening the bonds between our two nations.”