US envoy sees social media as key bridge to strengthening PH-US ties at digital creators workshop

Metro Manila, Philippines - United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson emphasized the growing role of digital platforms in modern diplomacy, describing social media as a crucial tool for strengthening the US-Philippine alliance and regional partnerships.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators on Saturday, May 31, Carlson addressed over 60 Southeast Asian content creators who had gathered in Manila for a week-long workshop on digital storytelling, cybersecurity, and brand development.

“The US Embassy has embraced the power of social media in our effort to communicate effectively and efficiently about the depth of our multifaceted relations in this region and beyond,” Carlson said.

She cited recent highlights from the Embassy's digital outreach, including posts on the Balikatan military exercises, her trip to Palawan to join the Philippine Coast Guard in welcoming a US Coast Guard ship, and a local energy system donation project.

“I just went to the South, in the Visayas, and met so many inspiring people,” she added. “When I was in Palawan, I also spoke about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.”

Carlson praised the workshop participants, who collectively have over 15 million followers, for using their platforms to inspire and inform, noting the critical role they play in shaping public understanding.

The bootcamp, part of the US government's Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), included delegates from 11 countries, including 10 from the Philippines.

They attended sessions led by digital creators and experts, and visited the offices of Microsoft and Meta to explore innovations in community-building and social media analytics.