By Xander Ledesma
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Friday commended the progress of US-funded initiatives in this city during an official visit. Carlson’s trip, which included a meeting with Mayor Jerry Treñas and department heads, focused on collaborative projects in health, education, environmental conservation, and streamlined business processes.
Carlson, who was appointed as the US Ambassador in July 2022, said she was pleased to see US Agency for International Development (USAID) programs making a “significant difference” in Iloilo City. She highlighted the longstanding partnership between the US government and local stakeholders, underscoring the mutual goal of sustainable urban development.
“I had a wonderful meeting with the mayor and received an excellent briefing on the city’s projects. We are very happy at the United States embassy to see so many of our initiatives making a difference,” Carlson told reporters.
Mayor Treñas credited USAID’s support in formulating the Iloilo River Development Master Plan, which led to the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River and the creation of the scenic Iloilo Esplanade. The revitalized riverfront area has become a model for urban renewal efforts in Western Visayas.
The mayor also highlighted the USAID-funded Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project. Aimed at improving literacy and numeracy rates, the program complements Iloilo City’s overall push to raise its current literacy rate of 94 percent closer to 100 percent. Historical ties between Iloilo and the US date back to the early 1900s, when American educators and officials helped lay foundations for public schooling in the region.
Another notable initiative, the Urban Connect Project, has modernized the city’s business permit processing through an end-to-end online system. Iloilo City’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, in partnership with the Data Assessment and Systems Management Office, collaborated with USAID to streamline procedures and encourage local investment.
Carlson said she intends to explore Iloilo’s cultural and culinary heritage, noting the city’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021. Iloilo is renowned for its local dishes such as La Paz Batchoy and its vibrant Dinagyang Festival, showcasing the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Iloilo City has a history of working with American institutions through various developmental programs, including infrastructure improvements, capacity-building workshops, and social services initiatives. Local officials have attributed much of the city’s economic growth in recent years to these partnerships and their emphasis on sustainable development goals.