[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD'S STATE 
                          PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 19, 2025

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 
25th anniversary of the State Partnership Program (SPP) between the 
Hawaii National Guard and the Armed Forces of the Republic of the 
Philippines.
  The SPP pairs state and territorial National Guard units with partner 
nations worldwide. It helps build enduring, mutually beneficial 
relationships to enhance security cooperation, advance U.S. interests 
and improve partner nations' military readiness.
  The SPP partnership between the Hawaii National Guard and the 
Philippines, initiated in 2000, was one of the earliest in the Indo-
Pacific under this program, and it remains the longest-standing such 
partnership in the region. Over the past quarter century, the 
partnership between Hawaii's citizen soldiers and airmen and their 
Philippine counterparts has steadily progressed, encompassing 
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, joint training exercises, 
strategic planning and multilateral regional engagement.
  The 25th anniversary of this agreement showcases an important and 
long-lasting commitment to mutual security, shared values and an 
enduring friendship between our two democratic nations.
  This great SPP's success lies in its foundation of trust, mutual 
respect and cultural understanding. Hawaii's geographic location and 
strong cultural and historical ties to the Philippines have made our 
state an ideal bridge between our two militaries. This special 
relationship has not only strengthened defense readiness but also 
developed personal connections that enrich both our communities.
  I would also like to acknowledge the role of our partners in Guam, 
who have joined this trilateral cooperation in recent years. Their 
collaboration strengthens the regional fabric of security and 
partnership.
  On this 25th anniversary, I wish to recognize all those who have 
contributed to this partnership's success. The enduring engagement 
between the Hawaii National Guard and the Philippine armed forces has 
advanced the strategic goals of a free and open Indo-Pacific and 
strengthened the bonds between our two great nations.
  Let us honor this important milestone not just as a celebration of 
the past but also as a reaffirmation of our shared future. I look 
forward to many more years of partnership and shared commitment to 
peace and prosperity between America and the Philippines under our SPP.

                          ____________________