The Philippines and the United States marked the beginning of the year-long celebration of their eight-decade-old relations with the launch of their 80th anniversary logo on Thursday.

The logo, officially introduced at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe, features the flag elements of both countries, including the Philippine eight-rayed sun and the American stars and stripes.

“As we launch the official logo for the 80th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations, we are not simply unveiling a design. We are unveiling a story — eight decades of shared struggles, shared values, and shared aspirations,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said.

The envoy said the logo symbolizes the eight decades of partnership that has since grown from the era of post-war reconstruction to this day’s modern strategic alliance centered on economic development and people-to-people exchanges, among others.

“[O]ur relationship has never been static. It has grown, adapted, and deepened,” Romualdez said.

“What makes the Philippines-United States relationship truly special is that it is not only anchored in treaties and institutions. It is anchored in people. In many ways, we are not just allies – we are family,” he added.

Romualdez said the logo should also signal that the present US-Philippine partnership is strong, with a “future full of opportunity.”

“Never before have our cooperation mechanisms been so broad – spanning security, economics, education, science, and people-to-people ties,” he said.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Robert Ewing, for his part, said Washington DC is proud of the accomplishments reached between the two nations in times of conflict down to advancing economic growth and joining forces on health, education and disaster response.

“We have seen sustained engagement from the highest levels of our governments down to common interactions between everyday Americans and Filipinos. It truly is a relationship on hyperdrive,” he said.

“We are confident that—as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad Allies—we will rise to even greater heights together for generations to come.”

Formal relations between the Philippines and the US were established on July 4, 1946, with the 4th of July also celebrated as the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day. (PNA)