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 the 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 the US-Philippine  relations.

“I’ve asked the team to look at for example, having regular student groups, tour groups that would bring in students with 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 generation 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)