US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo confirmed the swift realisation of over USD1bn in US investment pledges in the Philippines, emphasising that these are not mere promises. During a virtual briefing at the end of her Southeast Asia visit, Raimondo highlighted that investments from top U.S. companies like Google and Microsoft are either already happening or will start soon. These commitments aim to foster education and career growth. Raimondo’s trip, part of a pioneering Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila, spotlighted the Marcos administration’s effective regulatory reforms and anti-corruption measures, enhancing the Philippines’ appeal to American investors. Ted Osius of the US-ASEAN Business Council lauded the Philippines’ improved business environment and infrastructure development efforts under President Marcos.