AMBASSADOR OPENS AMERICAN CORNER IN CEBU

UNCLAS MANILA 002594 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL KPAO EAID RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR OPENS AMERICAN CORNER IN CEBU ¶1. SUMMARY: On December 14, the Ambassador opened a new American Corner at the University of San Carlos in Cebu. This brings the number of American Corners in the Philippines to 14. She was joined by the President of San Carlos, the Library Director, Chief of Protocol, American Corner librarian, members of the media, and over 100 students and professors. The event was covered by the two nationwide TV channels and local radio and print media. END SUMMARY. BACKGROUND: CEBU CITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS -------------- -------------- ¶2. Cebu City, the capital city of Cebu province, is the largest city in the Central Visayas region and the second most populous city in the Philippines. The island of Cebu has 3 million inhabitants with about 2 million living in Metro Cebu. The University of San Carlos is one of the top universities outside Manila. It has four campuses housing all levels of educational programs, including eight colleges and 27 departments. AMERICAN CORNER OPENING -------------- ¶3. The Ambassador was well received by an enthusiastic crowd of students, librarians, the Library Director, the Chief of Protocol, and the President of the University of San Carlos Father Dionisio M. Miranda for the opening of the 14th American Corner in the Philippines. The press -- radio, print and TV -- were also on hand to document this event. The Ambassador and the University President made opening remarks before the ceremonial ribbon cutting and the presentation of the new facility. The facility was stocked with a variety of American books, periodicals, and videos. Visitors also have access to resources such as the Thomas Jefferson archives that were provided by the Embassy's Cultural Affairs section. After the opening, the Ambassador posed for photos with the students and staff before completing several interviews with the press. KENNEY