MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Foreign Affairs officials believe that a country who is “economically strong” can be a “strong defense partner”.
This is the belief of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Manila’s Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, who attended a business forum in Manila, attended by almost 40 American companies.
During a moderated discussion with the U.S.-Asean Business Council in Pasay City, Secretary Lazaro said that the U.S. and the Philippines’ alliance is ensured if both parties are strong politically and economically.
“The strength of our alliance is not just determined by the depth and frequency of our defense and security engagements. For our alliance to be strong politically, it must also be strong economically,” Lazaro said.
Among all possible economic partners in the region, Lazaro said the Philippine economy remains “strong, steady, and resilient, despite global uncertainties” as it is supported by strategic policy reforms and strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
According to Lazaro, the Philippine economy grew 5.5%, in in the second quarter of 2025, slightly higher than the 5.4% growth recorded in the first quarter.
On the production side, agriculture posted 7.0% growth, while services sector expanded by 6.9%, she said.
“Driven by strong domestic consumption, a diverse and skilled workforce, and a growing services industry, the Philippines is well-placed as a business processing, manufacturing, supply chain and innovation hub in Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific region,” said Lazaro.
She emphasized that investment opportunities are available in various sectors, such as in IT and AI technology, food and agriculture, biomedical and pharmaceuticals, fintech, critical minerals, creative industries, defense industries and infrastructure, among others.
Ambassador Romualdez said the Philippines strategic location can bolster America’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, making the alliance a “strategic necessity”.
“At a time when America is diversifying supply chains and rethinking global strategy, we are a natural choice – and a strategic necessity,” Romualdez said.
“You are not only investors; you are trusted voices in Washington. I ask you to carry this message to the Trump administration: "Every US dollar invested in the Philippines strengthens America’s position in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.
“Show them how your projects here create jobs, transfer skills, and reinforce an ally that shares your security goals,” said Romualdez.
He also mentioned that investments in strategic industries would complement and benefit America’s defense interests in keeping an open and peaceful Indo-Pacific.
Infrastructure and logistics, he said, serve trade and naval readiness, while energy projects secure reliable power for both industry and defense.
Investments in technology and cybersecurity will protect commercial and military assets and defense industrial partnerships would keep American equipment ready in the region, Romualdez added.
“Our alliance is built not just on shared history, but on shared purpose. In today’s world, prosperity and security are inseparable,” he said.
Earlier, the United States committed USD60 million to reinforce the Philippines’ diverse programs in the sectors of energy, maritime and the economy.
The U.S. also formed a trilateral alliance with Japan and the Philippines under its previous administration, aimed at boosting security, investment and economic ties.
“Economic strength is the foundation of strategic strength,” Romualdez stated.
“When US companies invest here, it’s not just about returns on capital – it’s about returns on alliance,” he added.
