WATCH: Biden's message to Filipinos on PH Independence Day

US President Joe Biden on Saturday, June 12, joined Filipinos in celebrating Philippine Independence Day through a video message that also highlighted the importance of the continued strong alliance between the two countries.

“To all the people of the Philippines, happy Independence Day. It is my honor as President to send the best wishes of the American people as you celebrate this joyous occasion,” Biden said in a video message posted by the US State Department on its Twitter page.

Biden noted that the event coincided with the 75th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-US alliance.

“The Philippines and the United States share so much history and our people are forever connected through our deep bonds and shared sacrifices of valor, of family, and of friendship,” he said.

Biden also noted that the US is home to four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans who “make an invaluable contribution to communities all around the country, and enrich the American character, making our nation stronger and more vibrant.”

Biden also cited the importance of the two countries’ continued strong alliance in addressing challenges affecting both countries.

“Let’s also look to the future, the challenges that our two countries must continue to work to take on together, from defeating this pandemic, to strengthening the global preparedness for the next one, to advancing the free and open Indo-Pacific region for all peoples,” he said.

“I hope the friendship between the Philippines and the United States will continue be a source of strength for both our nations through all the decades ahead,” he added.