US envoy strengthens defense, health ties during Cebu visit

CEBU CITY — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton strengthened American engagement in the Visayas during an official visit to Cebu on Oct. 17, 2026, highlighting cooperation in defense, public health, trade and investment.

The visit included the first U.S. Independence Day reception held in Mactan, visits to military and health facilities, and discussions with local officials on expanding bilateral cooperation.

The activities formed part of the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and efforts to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Washington and Manila.

“We host an Independence Day event in Manila every year, but I knew that, for America’s 250th birthday, we also had to bring the celebration to the Queen City of the South,” Lipton said.

“U.S. companies have invested nearly $400 million in Cebu and the broader Visayas region,” he added.

The ambassador’s remarks highlighted the Visayas’ importance as a destination for American investment and a partner in regional economic development.

Among the guests at the reception were Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu Rep. Junard Chan and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia King Chan.

The celebration featured performances of American classics, including “New York, New York,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’m So Excited,” by local band Kerara Soul Cebu.

Guests also viewed images of prominent American landmarks, including the New York skyline, the White House, Arizona’s Grand Canyon and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

The cultural presentations highlighted American heritage and the connections between the two countries.

Defense cooperation at Mactan air base

Lipton visited Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base with Philippine Air Force Brig. Gen. Luisito Angeles Jr. to inspect an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site.

The facility includes a U.S.-funded fuel storage project valued at USD 2.7 million, or approximately PHP 162.8 million.

Work is also underway on additional logistical facilities intended to improve interoperability and disaster preparedness between American and Philippine military forces.

The EDCA allows U.S. forces access to designated Philippine military facilities for agreed activities, including joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, while the sites remain under Philippine ownership.

During the visit, Lipton met Philippine Air Force pilots and crew members responsible for strategic airlift operations.

He also interacted with personnel operating S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, a platform originally developed in the United States.

The helicopters form part of the Philippine military’s modernization efforts, supporting troop transport, logistical missions and emergency response operations.

US delivers tuberculosis testing supplies

In Lapu-Lapu City, Lipton highlighted U.S.-Philippines cooperation in public health through the delivery of GeneXpert cartridges used for tuberculosis detection.

The diagnostic supplies support rapid and accurate testing, helping health care workers identify tuberculosis infections and facilitate timely treatment.

The delivery forms part of a USD 600 million, or approximately PHP 36 billion, health cooperation agreement between the United States and the Philippines.

The agreement seeks to strengthen disease detection, health systems and public health security in both countries.

“By working together in TB prevention here, we invest in the people of this city. We strengthen the enduring friendship between our nations,” Lipton said.

“It is a major commitment by the Trump Administration in our Alliance. We want stronger health systems, better disease detection, and healthier communities for both our countries,” he added.

Tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential to reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes.

Cebu officials discuss trade, tourism opportunities

Lipton also met with Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation between the United States and the province.

Their discussions covered reciprocal trade, tourism, public health care, educational and cultural exchanges, and efforts to counter transnational crime.

The engagement emphasized the role of provincial governments in strengthening economic and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

During his visit, Lipton also toured Glory Reborn, a nonprofit clinic providing maternity and newborn health services in Cebu.

The facility was founded by American physician Hilary Overton, who serves as its chief executive officer.

Glory Reborn also hosts a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer supporting its First One Thousand Days Nutrition Program.

The initiative focuses on maternal and child nutrition during the critical period from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday.

The clinic’s work reflects continuing cooperation between American volunteers and Philippine communities in improving maternal and infant health.

Philippines, US mark diplomatic milestones

Lipton’s Cebu visit comes as the Philippines and the United States commemorate several milestones in their bilateral relationship.

Beyond the 250th anniversary of American independence, 2026 marks 80 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The year also marks the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951.

The treaty remains a cornerstone of the countries’ defense alliance, providing a framework for security cooperation and mutual defense commitments.

Through engagements in defense, public health, investment and community development, the visit highlighted efforts to extend bilateral cooperation beyond Metro Manila and strengthen partnerships across the Visayas.