The U.S. Embassy in Manila hosted an official from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). John Spears, Senior Advisor to the Acting Administrator of USAID, visited the Philippines June 17 to 20 to reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to the country’s sustainable and inclusive growth.

From June 19 to June 20 Spears visited Tagbilaran City in Bohol to witness the work done by the U.S. government and the Government of the Philippines in addressing the region’s binding constraints to growth.

Mr. Spears, joined by USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, and Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, opened an exhibit showcasing the strong partnership between USAID and the Province of Bohol, which helped transform the province from a conflict-affected area to an emerging growth center in the region.

Mr. Spears and Director Steele also visited Cogon Elementary School to hand over teaching and learning materials to the teachers and students of the school.

The assistance is a part of Basa Pilipinas (Read Philippines), USAID’s flagship reading project, which seeks to improve the reading skills of one million early grade students.

“Education unlocks children’s creativity and potential, setting them on a path toward making informed and healthy decisions in life and taking advantage of limitless economic and developmental opportunities,” Director Steele said.

Spears later visited disaster sites in the Province of Bohol to see USAID’s recovery work and assistance following the 2013 earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda and learn how the region is building back better to become more resilient to future disasters.

Mr. Spears also visited a Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP) site in Panglao Island, Bohol. TRIP is a convergence program between the Department of Tourism and Department of Public Works and Highways, implemented by USAID’s Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project, which seeks to increase investment in infrastructure and enhance the connectivity between gateways and tourist destinations.

To conclude his visit to Bohol, Mr. Spears visited the Balicasag Marine Protected Area to witness the results of conservation efforts implemented by USAID through its Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) project.

“We are proud to be part of Bohol’s achievements as an emerging growth center and we look forward to further advancing this productive partnership as we work towards our shared goal of achieving broad-based and inclusive growth,” Director Steele said.

Under the Partnership for Growth the Philippines and the United States are working to accelerate and sustain broad-based and inclusive economic growth. Part of this strategy includes the Cities Development Initiative (CDI), which works with committed local governments to advance development in secondary cities that are ripe for growth.

In February 2015, Tagbilaran City, Bohol became the fifth CDI city where the U.S. Government will work with the government, private sector, academia and civil society to transform the city into an engine of growth, advancing prosperity and stability throughout the province.