US ambassador highlights $400-million investment in Cebu

Local

NEARLY $400 million in American investments in Cebu and the wider Visayas region underscores the economic ties between the Philippines and the United States, which is bringing its 250th independence anniversary celebration beyond Manila.

The US Embassy marked the occasion in Cebu on Thursday, Oct. 15, with “Freedom 250: An Evening in White Celebrating 250 Years of U.S. Independence” at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City.

The gathering was attended by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan and her husband, Lapu-Lapu City lone district Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan, along with officials from regional and local government offices.

“It was really important for America's 250th birthday, we not only celebrate our independence in Manila, but also here in Cebu,” US Ambassador Lee Lipton said.

The yearlong Freedom 250 campaign commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The embassy previously held an Independence Day reception in Manila on July 2.

Lipton described Cebu as a longstanding partner of the United States, citing the province’s importance in tourism, shipping, commerce, education and industry.

“Our relationship with the Philippines spans nearly 1/2 of America's 250th year history. Throughout that time, Cebu has been a strong, strong, strong partner to America,” he said.

American companies have invested nearly $400 million in Cebu and the wider Visayas region, Lipton said.

Their operations supply critical goods, including electronic components, medical equipment and semiconductors, supporting thousands of jobs for Filipinos and Americans.

He also cited Timex, an American company operating in Cebu that was selected to make watches for the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.

Beyond trade and manufacturing, Lipton highlighted cooperation in agriculture, health care and education.

He pointed to the popularity of ube in American restaurants and grocery stores, adding that he makes an ube piña colada at his restaurant

Lipton said the two countries could expand cooperation in security, business skills and people-to-people exchanges.

“We can do more. We want to do more. We will do more,” he said.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrenita Austria, who delivered the Philippine side’s toast, said the celebration coincides with two milestones in Philippine-American relations: the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the alliance.

Austria described the United States as the Philippines’ only treaty ally and one of its most important economic partners.

She also cited the United States as a major source of investment and tourism and home to about 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

“Here in Cebu, we see that relationship in very real and tangible ways,” Austria said.

She highlighted Cebu’s role as a tourism and investment hub and the growing presence of American firms in the area.

Austria also underscored the cultural connections between the two countries, noting the influence of American education, language, music and films on Filipinos, as well as the growing appreciation of Filipino culture in the United States.

She said communities, families, students, entrepreneurs, artists, professionals and service members help sustain the relationship beyond formal diplomatic ties.

“Our work then is to nurture them and ensure that they continue to serve our people,” she said.

Austria added that the friendship had remained steadfast through different administrations and geopolitical challenges, supported by mutual trust, shared interests and a common pursuit of peace, security and prosperity.

“As we look back tonight, we celebrate not only the history that brought us here, but also the future that we continue to build together,” she said.

Lipton said he and his wife, Erika, had felt the warmth of the Filipino people since arriving in the Philippines in late June.(MyTVCebu)