• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson sees continued US assistance to the Philippine government under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Carlson, who paid a courtesy call on Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, allayed fears on the suspension of USAID assistance to the Philippines, according to Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
Diaz, who attended the meeting between Carlson and Lacson, said they were told by the US ambassador that the friendship and bond between the two governments will still be there, and it will not diminish.
On the other hand, it might even increase, in terms of support and collaboration.
The USAID assisted the provincial government on its P1.2 billion Bulk Water Project.
Diaz said that Gov. Lacson and Carlson discussed the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Project, as well as the different water and sanitation projects in the province.
Carlson also met with Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez on Monday in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Mayor Javi Benitez said he had an engaging and strategic dialog with US Ambassador Carlson on Monday, as they reinforced the deep US-PH partnership.
“As US-educated leaders, we underscored the importance of regional security, people-to-people ties, and investment opportunities that will drive progress for our province and district”, he added.*
