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Speeches

Speeches

Speech

Friday, September 29, 2017

[As Prepared]

[Greetings]

It is a great honor to be here in my third week in the Philippines as the new Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development, commonly known as USAID. USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end global poverty and enable democratic, resilient societies to realize their potential. As part of U.S. Embassy Philippines, I bring you the greetings of the U.S. Ambassador, the Honorable Sung Kim.

I would like to start by acknowledging all your hard work to strengthen education governance in Philippines. I understand that yesterday was an inspiring first day of the summit. You heard from a variety of distinguished speakers — including mayors, governors and education officials — who discussed their insights on education governance, based on their rich experiences. I am certain the learning will continue today.

USAID is proud to partner with the Synergeia Foundation to implement the Education Governance Effectiveness project, affectionately known as EdGE.

Speech

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Today’s ceremony demonstrates the U.S. Government’s ongoing commitment to help bring peace and stability in Mindanao. Graduates, we have no doubt that you will shape a more stable and prosperous future for the Philippines.

Speech

Friday, January 9, 2015

In my years as Mission Director of USAID in the Philippines, I have been a frequent visitor of Bohol, in work-related and personal capacities. I thoroughly enjoyed all those visits, not only because of Bohol’s unique attractions, but more importantly, the friendship and warm hospitality that the Boholanos offer. I’m sure I am not alone in feeling this way. I look forward to exploring your exhibit as I will surely discover new places that will persuade me to come back again. I may take advantage of the travel discounts myself.

Speech

Friday, January 9, 2015

I am pleased to be here with all of you today to launch the Professional Master’s Program in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management of the University of the Philippines. Through this effort, the U.S. Government continues to strengthen local institutions such as universities to become key partners in coastal and marine biodiversity conservation.

Speech

Monday, December 15, 2014

I would like to commend our three partner cities—Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo—for entering into sister-city agreements among yourselves. I am encouraged by your initiative to share your learnings with each other and support each other’s initiatives.

Speech

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

I am delighted to be here today to congratulate the Ayala Foundation, the other consortium members, and the participating civil society organizations on this important achievement.

Speech

Monday, December 8, 2014

On behalf of the American people and the U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID), I am honored to be here today for the Manila launch of the Philippine-American Fund second grant solicitation.

Speech

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Today’s ceremony is a testament to the resiliency and courage of those who refuse to allow crisis to deter them from the path of progress. In times of crisis, despite the danger and hardships, there is also great opportunity for communities to grow together and build back better.

Speech

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

USAID is pleased to co-sponsor this forum while we celebrate National SME Week. As the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Plan for 2011-2016 cited, MSMEs account for 99.6 percent of total establishments, 61.2 percent of the country’s total employment and 35.7 percent of the total value added in the Philippine economy.

Speech

Monday, June 23, 2014

While 92% of the Philippine population had access to an improved source of drinking water in 2010, 15.7 million Filipinos are still without access. This shortfall has serious impacts on economic growth, health and the overall development of the country. There are several reasons for inadequate water supply services, including low levels of investment; poverty linked to an inability to afford services; and policy, regulatory and financing barriers.

Speech

Monday, May 19, 2014

Thank you to the UNWTO and the Department of Tourism (DOT) for inviting me to this conference to talk about climate change response from an international perspective, specifically how we can build sustainable tourist destinations that are resilient to environmental threats and climate change impacts. I commend the organizers for engaging development partners, public and private sectors to make economic growth more broad-based and inclusive in the Philippines. Allow me to share USAID’s perspective as a development partner that recognizes the need for protecting the country’s environmental and natural resources in order to promote an agenda of economic growth.

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