OUTGOING United States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said 2025 was a “historic year” in US-Philippines relations. Carlson, who assumed her post in 2022, is expected to complete her tour of duty in January 2026. The US Senate has yet to confirm the appointment of Lee Lipton, a former businessman from Florida, as her replacement. “As the sun sets on 2025, we celebrate a historic year in US-Philippines ties — from deepened defense cooperation and maritime activities to expanded health aid and economic partnerships — and eagerly anticipate stronger collaboration ahead,” Carlson wrote on X on New Year’s Eve. In a separate post on Dec. 24, Carlson said, “In the same way that no two snowflakes (or snowflake cookies) are alike, serving as ambassador to the Philippines has been a unique privilege — the honor of a lifetime.” She shared fond memories of spending Christmas in the Philippines. “There’s truly no place like the Philippines at Christmastime. So grateful to spend our fourth holiday season here.” US Embassy spokesman Jameson DeBose earlier said that according to Carlson, she has “enjoyed a rewarding career as a State Department diplomat for more than 40 years, the highlight of which has been serving as ambassador to the Philippines since July 2022.” He issued the statement amid unconfirmed reports that the US State Department has recalled at least two dozen ambassadors, some of them posted in East Asia and the Pacific. During her visit to Baguio City in mid-December, she said the “City of Pines stands as a timeless symbol of the enduring friendship between the US and the Philippines.” Carlson said she was truly inspired by the dedicated work of Peace Corps volunteers partnering with community leaders in the Cordillera region.