New US Ambassador arrives in RP

by | Apr 12, 2010 | Headlines, National News

The United States Embassy in Manila Sunday disclosed that US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas has arrived in the country during the weekend to assume his post as replacement of Kristie Kenney, the first female US Ambassador to the Philippines, who ended her tour of duty earlier this year.

US Embassy press attaché Rebecca Thompson said Thomas arrived late Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). He was welcomed by the staff of the US Embassy.

Thomas is the first African-American to assume the post as the US Ambassador to the Philippines.

The US Senate has confirmed Thomas’s nomination on March 19 as the new US Ambassador to the Philippines. Thomas was nominated by President Barack Obama on Nov. 19 last year.

Thomas is a former Director General of the United States Foreign Service. His previous postings included Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Peru. He was also the executive secretary of the US State Department, director of the Department’s Operations Center, and special assistant to former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. (PIA-Bohol)

U.S. okays P1.9-B grant for RP’s sustain eco growth programs

by | Aug 8, 2008 | Headlines, National News

The United States will provide a P1.9- billion grant to the Philippines to support the Arroyo administration’s “investing in people and capacity-building” program, and help sustain the country’s economic growth.

According to Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, the President wants the bulk of the grant to be mobilized for capacity-building on reforestation and environmental programs as a whole.

Part of the grant would also support the country’s infrastructure, energy modernization and health projects, including water supply and sanitation, he added.

Dureza said the President is also pushing for the inclusion of farm-to-market roads in the funding program in support of the country’s food security program.

Inclusive of the government’s counterpart fund of P600 million, the total amount would reach P2.645 billion, Dureza added. (PIA/Bohol)