US Ambassador Carlson Highlights Iloilo Visit

By Mariela Angella Oladive

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reaffirmed the enduring strength of U.S.-Philippines relations during her visit to Iloilo on Saturday, January 18.

“We are all looking ahead and are very excited about the new administration, but what we know for sure is that the strong ties between the Philippines and the U.S. will endure, just as they have for over a century,” Carlson said in an interview.

Her visit coincided with the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20.

Reflecting on her tenure since 2022, Carlson emphasized the bipartisan support for U.S.-Philippines relations.

“These high-level delegations have been bipartisan, so whether you’re talking about the Democratic or Republican Party, there is a strong interest in and support for the U.S.-Philippines relationship. With that, I am very confident,” she noted.

Carlson discussed areas of cooperation between the U.S. and Iloilo, highlighting energy, nutrition, agriculture, and investment.

“We already have so many rich ties with this region, whether in energy, nutrition, agriculture, or in looking at ways to attract investment,” she said.

The Ambassador and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. explored opportunities to attract more American businesses to the province, particularly in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, aiming to enhance mutual prosperity.

Carlson also praised Ilonggo culture and hospitality, expressing admiration for local culinary specialties like pancit molo and Iloilo’s agricultural products.

To commemorate her visit, Carlson gifted Defensor a Timex watch featuring the U.S. and Philippine flags, symbolizing the enduring partnership.

Defensor expressed gratitude for the Ambassador’s visit and looked forward to fostering stronger exchanges between Iloilo and the United States.

Prior to meeting Defensor, Carlson met Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on January 17 to discuss U.S.-supported projects in health, education, environmental conservation, and business streamlining.

Carlson highlighted USAID-supported initiatives, including the Iloilo River Development Master Plan, which contributed to the creation of the Iloilo Esplanade and helped preserve the river.

Treñas praised USAID’s role in improving literacy and math skills through the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines program, which has helped Iloilo City achieve the highest literacy rate in Western Visayas and work toward a 100% literacy goal.

The city’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office is also collaborating with USAID on the Urban Connect Project, which modernizes business permitting through an end-to-end online system.