BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The United States Ambassador’s Residence at Camp John in the city will soon open its doors to regular visitors to further highlight the history of US-Philippine relations.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in an interview that they are now exploring ways to open the doors of the Residence that played a very significant role in the history of US-Philippine relations.
“I’ve asked the team to look at for example, having regular student groups, tour groups that would bring in students to the activity to learn about the history, learn about this John Hay area,” Carlson said. She added that the house means a lot to the United States as well as to the US-Philippine partnership.
By opening the Residence to the public especially to students, she is hopeful that the future generations would understand the enduring value of friendship and partnership between the two nations.
“It is important to understand history because the enduring value of this relationship, of this alliance, our steadfast friendship, our partnership in prosperity, that’s what the young people need to understand,” the Ambassador said.
Carlson shared that although the building was completed in 1940, “it served as the residence for the then US High Commissioner to the Philippines. It was then occupied by the Japanese until the liberation of Baguio on April 27, 1945.”
She added that it is also worthy to note that the Residence is where Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita signed the “Instrument of Surrender” on September 3, 1945 ending the Second World War.
Starting in 1946, it has been the US Ambassador’s Baguio residence or summer residence serving as a venue for meetings and other events.
Amb. Carlson visited the City of Pines for the third time for the post-celebration of the 247th Independence Anniversary of the USA on Aug. 31 at the US Ambassador’s Residence, and for the 114th Baguio City Charter Day Anniversary on Friday, September 1, 2023, where she was the guest of honor. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR