As MaryKay Carlson’s stint as the United States of America’s ambassador to the Philippines comes to an end this January 2026, she wrote a heartfelt letter to the Filipinos released Friday morning. 

Designated in her post back last 2022, Carlson looked back at the experiences she gained from the years that she served in the Philippines, from strengthening the US-Philippine ties to her favorite stuff that she gained from her almost three-year tenure. 

The Arkansas native mentioned the military and security front where she said that the alliance between US and Philippines is ‘stronger than ever,’ after expanding the size of Balikatan exercises and mentioned the establishment of Task Force Philippines for the improvement of comprehensive and archipelagic defense. 

While she mentioned the assistance they provided for the defense of West Philippine Sea, she also zoomed in on over 170 Peace Corps Volunteers that serve all over the nation. 

“In 2025 alone, the United States committed more than $313 million in foreign assistance to the Philippines to stop the spread of disease, promote maternal and child health, counter illegal fishing, foster energy security, and promote economic development,” Carlson explained. 

Spike in economy 

The diplomat also shared that both countries collaborated for a “hyperdrive” to fulfil aspirations in trade and economic cooperation. Multiple US trade missions also opened ways for the Philippines to obtain investments and partnerships, such as the launch of the Luzon Economic Corridor in collaboration with Japan which aimed to upgrade infrastructure, bolster job creation and sustain growth. 

Great year ahead for both nations

She mentioned the matters bound to unfurl in 2026 such as the 80 years of diplomatic ties between US and the Philippines, the 75th anniversary of our Mutual Defense Treaty, America’s 250th birthday, the Philippines’ ASEAN chair year, and the 10th anniversary of the landmark UNCLOS ruling upholding Philippine maritime claims. 

“While I will no longer be in the U.S. Ambassador’s chair, I’ll continue to champion U.S.-Philippines ties, confident that our hard-working embassy teams and vast network of American and Filipino friends, partners, and allies will continue to build relationships of trust that benefit our nations,” she stated. 

Culture, more than anything 

Carlson mentioned that her song in the infamous past-time of the Filipinos– karaoke, would be Louis Armstrong’s “A Kiss to Build a Dream On” but the song that wraps up her whole experience in the Philippines is “Kumukuti-kutitap” by Ryan Cayabyab, due to the joyous energy that the nation holds during the holidays. 

She also shared that she will be missing lumpia and fresh mangoes.