Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington, D.C., on July 21. Following the meeting, the U.S. Department of State announced at least Php3 billion ($60 million) in foreign assistance funding for the Philippines. This funding aims to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs.
This marks the first announcement of new foreign assistance by the U.S. government since a review and realignment began under the Trump Administration in January.
Secretary Rubio also stated that the U.S. Department of State plans to work with Congress to allocate Php825 million ($15 million) for private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor. If approved, this will support investments in transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors to create jobs and drive economic growth.
President Marcos's meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and advanced closer economic ties between both nations.