USABC Philippines Business Mission Celebrates 80 Years of U.S.-Philippines Relations and the Country’s ASEAN Chairship

(Manila, Philippines) — The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) successfully concluded its 2026 Philippines Business Mission, convening a delegation of 35 U.S. companies for high-level engagements with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and senior officials of the Philippine Government. Held in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations, the mission reaffirmed the U.S. private sector's commitment to supporting the Philippines' economic development, digital transformation, and regional leadership.

The delegation was co-led by USABC's President & CEO, Ambassador Brian D. McFeeters (ret.), and USABC’s Philippines Committee Co-Chairs: Stephen Braim, Vice President for Government & Regulatory Affairs, Asia Pacific, IBM, and by Paul Favila, Chief Executive Officer and Banking Head, Citi Philippines. ​ ​

"Eight decades of U.S.-Philippines partnership have laid a strong foundation for what comes next," said Ambassador McFeeters. "The Philippine Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing its economic priorities, and the U.S. private sector is committed to being a trusted partner in helping achieve them," he added.

The delegation was welcomed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and also met with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, Senate President Win Gatchalian, Central Bank Governor Eli Remolona Jr., as well as senior officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Trade and Industry, including the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority; the Department of Finance including the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Insurance Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission; the Food and Drug Administration; the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; and the U.S. Embassy led by Ambassador Lee Lipton. ​

"As transformative technologies such as AI and quantum computing reshape economies, the Philippines has a unique opportunity to accelerate its digital leadership," said Stephen Braim. "IBM is committed to working with the Philippine government in building secure, future-ready digital systems that support the country's long-term innovation goals and economic growth," he added.

ES Recto Keynotes Welcome Reception

The delegation also participated in a reception co-hosted by U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton, which convened more than 150 senior government officials, business executives, and members of the diplomatic community, with Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto as Guest of Honor.

“Our message to American companies is simple: Stay in the Philippines. Expand in the Philippines and build your future in the Philippines,” said Secretary Recto. “For we believe that the next chapter of the Philippine-American partnership must be defined not only by what we have shared, but by what we can build together,” he added. ​

Speaking on the Luzon Economic Corridor, Recto said: “We are working with you and a growing number of like-minded nations to connect Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas into a powerful economic spine for logistics, manufacturing, connectivity, and innovation. This is how we can turn an eight-decade alliance into an economic corridor for the next generation.”

Delegation Visits Luzon Economic Corridor

The delegation also underscored its strong support for the Luzon Economic Corridor, a key multi-country initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity and enhancing supply chain resilience across major growth centers in Luzon. In a visit to Clark, the delegates explored opportunities for U.S. businesses to contribute to infrastructure, logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy, and digital connectivity projects. ​

"As Citi approaches its 125th anniversary in the Philippines next year, we remain confident in the country's long-term growth potential," said Paul Favila. "Our long-standing presence in the country reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and the Philippines, and we see significant opportunities to mobilize capital, deepen capital markets, and support transformative initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor," he added.

​USABC’s Philippines Committee Co-Chairs, IBM and Citi, its Vice-Chairs, Coca-Cola, Zuellig Pharma, and Lockheed Martin, along with 3M, Abbott, Amazon Web Services, American Express, Astranis, Astrophysics, Atmo, Boeing, Chevron, CrowdStrike, FedEx, Ford, IMSG, Lubrizol, Mastercard, Pacific Pension & Investment Institute, PepsiCo, Philip Morris, S&C Electric Company, Salesforce, SC Johnson, Starr International Insurance, TE Connectivity, Texas Instruments, Viatris, Visa, Vriens & Partners, and Windward were among those who participated in this year’s business mission. ​

Access the Business Mission photos here.