Goldberg bids farewell, commits more US help

From the Sun Star-Baguio (Jul 17): Goldberg bids farewell, commits more US help

US AMBASSADOR to the Philippines Philip Goldberg bids goodbye but hopes his successor would continue good relations and the continuity of several programs implemented during his term.

Speaking before officials of selected government units in the Cordillera region at the US Ambassadors House at Camp John Hay, Goldberg said the US and the country will remain an ally in peace keeping efforts and issues on climate change.

Senior diplomat Sung Kim, who served as special representative for North Korea policy since 2014 is reported to replace Goldberg later this August.

Prior to becoming the US Ambassador to the Philippines, Goldberg worked as Assistant Secretary of State from 2010 up to 2013 and was earlier appointed as Ambassador to Bolivia from 2006 to 2008.

During his three-year tour in the country, the Philippines ratified the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) intended to bolster the U.S.-Philippine alliance.

The agreement allows the United States to rotate troops into the Philippines for extended stays and allows the U.S. to build and operate facilities on Philippine bases, for both American and Philippine forces.

As a result, the Armed Forces of the Philippines received $66 million for the construction of military facilities in the Philippines under EDCA.

"EDCA is a milestone agreement between our two countries which help the Philippines as it modernizes its armed forces," Goldberg said.

Goldberg meanwhile added he hopes his successor hopes to work with the government to sort out the post decision issue in the West Philippine Sea.

"There's a lot to do on the security front," added Goldberg.
 
Goldberg added aside from maintaining its political and military relationship, economic relationship is also being intensified lauding Texas Instruments and other US based business process outsource companies based here in the Summer Capital providing thousands of jobs all over the region.

The US official meanwhile lauded the current government's war on drugs saying both countries share the goal of eradicating drug use and the sale and trafficking of narcotics.

Goldberg however said there is a need for due process and should be done within the legal framework of the constitution in handling the drug problem.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2016/07/17/goldberg-bids-farewell-commits-more-us-help-485817