United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson expressed satisfaction with the progress of US government-supported projects in Iloilo City during a visit on Friday, Jan. 17.
Carlson met with Mayor Jerry Treñas and key department heads to discuss various initiatives in health, education, environmental conservation, and business streamlining backed by the US, including partnerships with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“I had a wonderful meeting with the mayor and received an excellent briefing on the city’s projects. We are very happy at the United States embassy to see so many of our initiatives making a difference,” Carlson said in a brief media interview.
Treñas highlighted the USAID’s role in the Iloilo River Development Master Plan, which laid the foundation for the Iloilo Esplanade project that saved the river from degradation.
Iloilo City is also a recipient of the USAID-funded Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines, aimed at improving the literacy and math skills of children.
“We are very happy with your project in education. Iloilo City has the highest literacy rate among all the provinces in Western Visayas,” Treñas said, adding that the target is to reach 100 percent from the current 94 percent.
The city’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions and Data Assessment and Systems Management Office are collaborating with USAID on the Urban Connect Project, which has modernized business permitting with an end-to-end online system.
Carlson, planning to explore Iloilo during her stay, expressed enthusiasm about experiencing the city’s renowned culinary heritage as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.Perla Lena/PNA
