AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS U.S. PROGRAMS IN ILOILO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 001823 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE PLEASE PASS TO ECA/PE/C/EAP R HARVEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID SCUL PREL RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS U.S. PROGRAMS IN ILOILO REF: Manila 01383 ¶1. Summary. During a May 21 visit to Iloilo City and Guimaras Island, the Ambassador focused public attention on U.S. programs benefiting the region. She toured a national mango research center and local mango festival, visited a Peace Corps environmental education program, and kicked off ECA/C's and USA Soccer's World Cup Soccer Initiative. Press coverage of these events was extensive and positive. End Summary. BACKGROUND -------------- ¶2. Iloilo City, the capital of Iloilo Province and a regional hub of the western Visayas with a population of 370,000, is located on the southeast corner of Panay Island. The city draws its primary income from fishing and fish processing. Other important products include rice, sugar, bananas, mangoes, and hand-woven textiles. Guimaras Island sits just south of Iloilo across a narrow waterway in Panay Gulf. Guimaras, which is only accessible by boat, covers about 600 square miles and has 142,000 inhabitants. Fishing, mangoes, and tourism drive its economy. USDA PROJECTS HELP LOCAL ECONOMY -------------- ¶3. In 2005, USDA provided US$2 million to fund a three-year mango pest risk-assessment research program at the Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry's National Mango Research and Development Center (BPI-NMRDC) in Guimaras (see reftel). Its director, one of two former Agricultural Fulbright Scholars working here, briefed the Ambassador about the Center's work, led a tour, and expressed pride in and appreciation for the USDA partnership. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has also worked closely with the Center over the last decade to develop a protocol, in compliance with U.S. food safety regulations, that would allow Philippine mango growers to export to the United States. Mango production in 2005 was valued at US$334 million and has increased steadily over the last five years. Philippine experts estimate that the U.S. fresh mango market is worth an estimated US$200 million and have stressed the long-term export potential of local mangoes as well as their hopes that U.S. import procedures can be relaxed. Currently, only mangoes from Guimaras can be exported from the Philippines to the U.S. mainland. ¶4. The Governor of Guimaras escorted the Ambassador to the nearby Manggahan Festival, an annual celebration of the mango industry and local handicrafts, as well as a commemoration of the island's declaration as an independent province in 1992. The festival also highlights the resilience of the community in the wake of the August 2006 oil spill off the Guimaras coast that resulted in serious environmental damage to the island. The Governor noted that, while the oil spill was a tragedy, it had raised awareness of environmental issues and brought international attention to the small island. ¶5. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Deputy Administrator for Capacity Building and Development Patricia R. Sheikh accompanied the Ambassador during the visit to the Center and the Festival. PEACE CORPS FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION -------------- - ¶6. While in Guimaras, the Ambassador also visited one of four Peace Corps projects in the province. One Peace Corps Volunteer had spent the last two years facilitating environmental education to elementary students at the Nueva Valencia Central School. During her tenure, she created an organic garden, started an Eco Club, and taught the community about recycling. The Ambassador met with approximately 45 students and 15 teachers and toured the modest facility. The teaching staff and community members expressed deep appreciation for the Peace Corps Volunteer's efforts and Ambassador's visit. SPORTS DIPLOMACY: SOCCER CLINICS A BIG HIT -------------- ¶7. Just north of Iloilo City in the town of Barotac Nuevo, the Ambassador kicked off the World Cup Soccer Sports Initiative, a partnership between the U.S. State Department's Office of Citizen Exchanges, USA Soccer, and the Philippine Football Federation. The event was the first in a three-city series of soccer clinics hosted by three athletes, including two American "Sports Envoys" and one professional Filipina soccer player. The clinics offer a unique opportunity for children to receive coaching from three exceptional athletes and provide a venue for Americans and Filipinos to share their love of sports. The Ambassador addressed an enthusiastic crowd, which included local mayors, coaches, parents, and children from around the area. MANILA 00001823 002 OF 002 MEDIA COVERAGE -------------- ¶8. Press coverage of the Ambassador's day-long trip was extensive and positive in both local and national media, following two television interviews to local affiliates of national networks, remarks to national print media, and a live radio interview about U.S. projects for development in the region. She stressed myriad USG investments in education, health, and agriculture to support local communities. ¶9. The Ambassador's ongoing outreach to regional hubs throughout the Philippines continues to draw attention to the USG's multi-faceted involvement around the country, as do travels by other Mission staff. This activist approach underscores our broad engagement with, and interest in, the welfare of the Philippine people. ¶10. Septel will report on the Ambassador's meeting with Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. KENNEY