Metro Manila, Philippines – United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson has concluded her tour of duty, ending a three-and-a-half-year posting that she described as the highlight of over four decades in diplomatic service.
From festive Christmas decorations and Halloween celebrations to Pride Month activities and July 4th events, Carlson’s presence in Manila stood out not only for policy milestones but also for her visible and personable approach to public engagement.
Widely regarded as one of the most creative ambassadors to engage audiences on social media, Carlson and her team used digital platforms to highlight embassy work and everyday moments. Her recurring hashtag “MaryKay on the way” became a familiar phrase online, helping connect diplomatic activities with the broader public in an accessible and informal way.
Pivotal moments
Carlson led the US Embassy during a pivotal period for Philippine-US relations, navigating political transitions in both countries. Her posting spanned the latter part of the Biden administration and the transition to President Donald Trump’s second term, while also witnessing a change in Philippine leadership from former President Rodrigo Duterte to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Throughout her tenure, Washington and Manila repeatedly affirmed their “ironclad alliance.” Defense cooperation expanded under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, and annual Balikatan military exercises grew in scale. Coordination on regional security issues also deepened amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Carlson was among the most vocal diplomats on developments in the disputed waters, consistently expressing concern over aggressive actions and reiterating support for international law, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
Her tenure coincided with increased high-level engagement between the two countries. Marcos visited the United States five times since 2022, underscoring renewed momentum in bilateral ties anchored on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
Light moments
Beyond official engagements, Carlson became a familiar and approachable presence at embassy and community events. She was often seen engaging in casual conversations, lining up for food with guests, and readily posing for photos, helping foster a more open and accessible image of diplomacy.
At a farewell event held in Makati City on Wednesday, Carlson thanked colleagues and members of the media and the diplomatic corps saying the relationships built during her posting would stay with her beyond her time in Manila.
“It’s truly been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as US Ambassador to the Philippines,” she said.
Carlson’s departure comes as part of a broader transition across US diplomatic posts worldwide.
President Trump has nominated Lee Lipton to succeed her, subject to confirmation by the US Senate.
