Monday, March 4, 2013

US embassy showcases diplomacy, development and defense services in Tacloban

From InterAksyon (Mar 4): US embassy showcases diplomacy, development and defense services in Tacloban



The US Embassy launched its ‘America in 3D’ roadshow in Tacloban Robinsons Mall, where consular services were offered. JOSEPH HOLANDES UBALDE, INTERAKSYON.COM

With impressive economic indicators and a rich history, Tacloban City became the fifth city where the US Embassy launched its ‘America in 3D’ road show ON Sunday.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez welcomed to Tacloban US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr, who, aside from noting the potential of the city, also appreciated the two nations’ shared history.

Tacloban was the site of the iconic Leyte landing of Gen. Douglas McArthur and US troops in 1945 following intense battle in the Leyte Gulf, the greatest naval battle in history. It is where the general fulfilled his oft-quoted vow to Filipinos who had faced Japanese occupiers for three years, “I shall return.”

At the launch of America in 3D in Leyte, Ambassador Thomas told InterAksyon, “Tacloban is an emerging market. All the economic indicators are outstanding...we have American-Filipino history here and Tacloban is an area on the rise.”

With the two-day program, the US Embassy highlighted the key services it offers to Filipinos here in the country and those who aspire to go to America. Aside from its consular services, the US Embassy also did several outreach programs in the area.

Tacloban, which became a Highly Urbanized City in 2008, is tagged as the gateway to Eastern Visayas. It has been ranked by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as the 4th city with the highest number of deposits, hitting the P42 billion mark in 2012.

Romualdez also stressed that Tacloban is a university city, hosting the University of the Philippines-Leyte campus, Leyte Normal University and the Eastern Visayas State University.

"It is time the rest of the Philippines “sees the promise that Tacloban holds,” Romualdez said. “We are especially glad that our friends from the US Embassy are showing us what they can offer the Taclobanons, and we in return, can offer as a city.”

Aside from Tacloban, the past cities where America in 3D was launched are Baguio, Laoag, Iloilo and Cebu.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/56260/us-embassy-showcases-diplomacy-development-and-defense-services-in-tacloban

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