ILOILO – US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Loss Carlson, expressed her desire to see more US businesses invest in the Philippines, particularly in Iloilo province.
This topic was discussed during a courtesy call by Ambassador Carlson to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. at the provincial capitol on January 18.
“We discussed with the governor any ways to attract more United States businesses here and ways that will promote our partnership and prosperity that will benefit both of our countries,” Carlson told the press during a press conference.
Carlson also shared her appreciation for the hospitality, respectfulness, and sense of joy of the Ilonggos. She thanked Governor Defensor for their engaging conversation and for allowing her to taste some of the province’s agricultural produce during their brief breakfast meeting.
Defensor was presented with a customized Timex watch by the ambassador, featuring the US and Philippine flags as a symbol of the enduring ties between the two nations.
Governor Defensor, for his part, expressed his eagerness to further develop economic exchanges with the US, particularly in the fields of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), agriculture, the service industry, and education. He also highlighted his administration’s focus on creating growth centers and addressing basic economic needs to attract more investments into the province.
“We are very thankful for the visit of Her Excellency here in Iloilo. We take this opportunity to further develop our exchanges with the United States,” Defensor said.
Earlier, January 17, Ambassador Carlson also paid a courtesy call on Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas, where the ambassador expressed satisfaction with the progress of US government-supported projects in the city.
Topics discussed during the visit included the city’s initiatives in health, education, environmental conservation, and business streamlining, which have been backed by the US, particularly through partnerships with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Treñas highlighted USAID’s role in the Iloilo River Development Master Plan, which laid the foundation for the Iloilo Esplanade project, helping to preserve the river from further degradation.
Iloilo City is also a recipient of the USAID-funded Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines program, which aims to improve literacy and math skills among children.
“We are very happy with your project in education. Iloilo City has the highest literacy rate among all the provinces in Western Visayas,” said Treñas, adding that the city aims to achieve a 100 percent literacy rate, up from the current 94 percent.
Iloilo City continues to benefit from USAID support in various sectors, further strengthening the partnership between the US and the region./PN