AMBASSADOR SHOWCASES U.S. ROLE IN CREATING A PEACEFUL,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 001650 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PLEASE PASS TO PEACE CORPS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL KPAO EAID RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR SHOWCASES U.S. ROLE IN CREATING A PEACEFUL, VIBRANT MINDANAO REF: 08 Manila 1790 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY. The Ambassador traveled July 17-18 to Davao City on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, underscoring the continuing U.S. commitment to the economic and social development of the region. The trip included the Ambassador's keynote address at a conference for graduates of USAID's Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders (CIPYML) and a discussion on the importance of human rights with leaders of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Ambassador also visited a rapidly expanding U.S. business and spoke with local media. END SUMMARY. Background: Davao City -------------- ¶2. (U) Davao City is located in the southeastern part of Mindanao. As one of the largest cities in Asia by land area, it covers 2,433.61 km2 and is home to over one million people. Known as the "fruit basket of the Philippines," Davao City's busy international port exports tropical fruits such as pomelo, mangosteen, coconut, papaya, pineapple and durian. Its bananas have made the Philippines one of the world's top three banana exporters, with half of the industry production stemming from U.S. companies. Banana and pineapple growers Dole/Stanfilco and Marsman-Drysdale employ over 36,000 direct and contract hires in Mindanao. USAID's Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders -------------- -------------- ¶3. (U) The Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Youths (CIPYML) is a joint cooperative program between USAID and the Philippine House of Representatives designed to bring young Muslims from Mindanao to serve as interns in the Philippine Congress. From this experience, they derive leadership and communication skills, as well as a firm understanding of the mechanics of government. The Ambassador served as keynote speaker and guest of honor at the first reunion of CIPYML graduates, reminding the graduates of the great human and economic potential of Mindanao, and congratulating the young Muslim leaders for striving to bring positive change to their communities. The Ambassador highlighted President Obama's recent remarks in Ghana, which were echoed in a speech by one CIPYML alumnus chosen to speak for the group. This alumnus, who now works for USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, challenged his fellow alumni to take up the banner of change in their communities, and to use their newly acquired skills and confidence to become "agents of peace and development." The alumnus closed with a quote from the Ghana speech that had inspired him, saying "Change in Mindanao will come from partnerships grounded in individual and mutual responsibility." Visit to Eastern Mindanao Command -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Ambassador met with Major General Raymundo Ferrer, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command. EASTMINCOM covers a wide swath of Mindanao, including areas of Central Mindanao which is the homeland of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),and which also harbor elements of the Communist New People's Army (NPA). He shared his concerns about the ability of the AFP to eliminate the NPA in his area of responsibility by December 2009. The NPA is a long running communist insurgency. MGEN Ferrer acknowledged that there was no viable way to accomplish this task without addressing the issue of poverty first. He stressed the need for development in the area and the need to bring in more jobs. The general linked the idea of development with the resumption of peace talks with the MILF. According to the general, neither side is winning in the current situation. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of human rights and the peace process in a meeting with local military and police commanders. USAID Event Emphasizes Projects in Davao City -------------- ¶5. (U) The Ambassador visited the headquarters of USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, which is located in Davao, and commended the group for their accomplishments in promoting good governance, education, and local government infrastructure programs. She praised them for being agents of change and peace throughout Mindanao. Sutherland Global Service, Expanding U.S. Business -------------- -------------- ¶6. The Ambassador's visit to Sutherland Global Services facility in Davao City highlighted the positive economic and social impact Sutherland and other U.S. businesses are making in the Southern MANILA 00001650 002 OF 002 Philippines. Sutherland is a recognized leader and innovator in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The company has effectively developed new markets outside of the Metro Manila area, bringing jobs and investment to regions of the Philippines other firms traditionally overlooked. Davao City and greater Mindanao had only marginally benefited from the BPO boom until Sutherland started its operation in 2008. The Ambassador toured the facility that currently employs 1,500 Filipinos in well-paying and upwardly-mobile jobs. These jobs not only consist of basic customer service and support representatives but also include content and process experts. The Ambassador spoke with a small group of employees and stressed how important their jobs were not only to the local economy but also to strengthening U.S. businesses in the current economic crisis. Sutherland officials said they were pleased with the quality and commitment of the local workforce and plan to hire 3,500 additional workers over the next few years. (Old and New) Media Outreach -------------- ¶7. (U) In a number of regional television, radio, and print interviews conducted during the trip, the Ambassador underscored the continuing U.S. commitment to fostering peace and economic development in Mindanao. She pointed out the spectrum of U.S.-supported programs that go unnoticed by the media but are essential to creating stability and prosperity in the area. The Ambassador also met with members of the vibrant Mindanao Bloggers Community at the American Corner in Ateneo de Davao University to discuss their roles in representing the young voices of Mindanao. The group's founder organized the group of young bloggers, both Muslim and Christian, from throughout Mindanao to express a true picture of his homeland's beauty and diversity. The bloggers work to dispel the notion that Mindanao is only an impoverished and conflict-ridden area; blog topics range from regional cuisine, to employment advice, and to the latest in consumer technology. The Ambassador commended the group for their organization and for portraying a more well-rounded Mindanao. KENNEY