2 weeks ago
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BACOLOD CITY — United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson assured the Philippines of continued US assistance under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Carlson made the assurance during her courtesy call to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
Lawyer Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said the ambassador's pronouncement allayed fears about the suspension of USAid assistance to the Philippines.
COURTESY CALL United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson shakes hands with Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Feb. 25, 2025, during her courtesy call at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City. PHOTO BY THE CAPITOL PIO
Diaz, who attended the meeting between Carlson and Lacson, said they were told by the US ambassador that the friendship and bond between the two governments will still be there, and it will not diminish.
"The Philippines will remain a very important partner of the US," said Diaz.
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The US has suspended foreign aid for 90 days on a directive by President Trump.
On the other hand, Diaz said that it might even increase, in terms of support and collaboration.
"She said do not be afraid about the suspension of assistance; it will come (back). It's more of an assurance that the friendship, the bond between the United States and the Philippines, will still be there," Diaz pointed out.
The USAid has been assisting Negros Occidental in its bulk water project, and in other projects that have been included in the freeze, he said.
According to Diaz, the ambassador assured that the friendship between the Philippines and the United States will not diminish, adding it might even increase in terms of support, partnership and collaboration.
There is no clear statement on the continuation of the US water projects in Negros, Diaz said, "but there is an assurance that we should just wait and that help will come."
Diaz said the ambassador wanted to know what the priority projects of the governor are, and he informed her that they are water and sanitation.
"We had a great meeting with the governor talking about all of the issue areas where the United States and the Philippines are doing a lot together," Carlson said.
