AMBASSADOR Lee Lipton reinforced United States-Philippines connections in the Visayas by hosting the first Independence Day reception in Mactan.
The event showcased American excellence and strengthened partnerships that promote the safety, security, and prosperity of Americans and Filipinos.
‘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,” the ambassador said. ‘US companies have invested nearly $400 million in Cebu and the broader Visayas region.’
Honored guests included Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria, Governor Pamela Baricuatro of Cebu, as well as Representative Junard Chan and Mayor Cynthia King Chan of Lapu-Lapu City.
At the celebration, guests reveled in American hits such as ‘New York, New York,’ ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ and ‘I’m So Excited,’ performed by top local band Kerara Soul Cebu. Iconic images transported guests across the US: from New York City’s skyline and the White House to Arizona’s majestic Grand Canyon and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, bringing snapshots of the country into the heart of Cebu.
Lipton’s visit also highlighted more of America’s connections to the Visayas region. He inspected the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base with Brig. Gen. Luisito Angeles Jr. to see the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site where the US funded a $2.7-million (P162.8-million) fuel storage facility, with work underway on logistical facilities that will support interoperability and disaster preparedness between American and Philippine armed forces.
He also met with Philippine Air Force pilots and crew responsible for strategic airlift, including the operators of the S-70i Black Hawks originally developed in the US. The US Embassy considers the helicopters ‘an important way that America is supporting Philippine military modernization.’
In Lapu-Lapu City, Lipton showcased American excellence in health technology by delivering GeneXpert cartridges that make Americans and Filipinos safer through quick, accurate, and easy tuberculosis (TB) detection. The delivery activated the $600-million (P36-billion) health cooperation agreement between the two countries.
‘By working together in TB prevention here, we invest in the people of this city. We strengthen the enduring friendship between our nations,’ he 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.’
The US envoy discussed opportunities with Baricuatro to expand cooperation in key areas such as promoting reciprocal trade, tourism, public health care, and educational and cultural exchanges, as well as countering transnational crime.
Lipton visited Glory Reborn: a nonprofit maternity and newborn health clinic. Its CEO and founder is American doctor Hilary Overton, and hosts a Peace Corps Volunteer who supports its ‘First One Thousand Days Nutrition’ Program.
According to the embassy, Lipton’s trip to Cebu is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen further the enduring ties between the US and the Philippines. Besides America’s 250th anniversary, 2026 marks 80 years of the two countries’ diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty.