Strong ties

TIME may not yet be ripe for another US president to set foot on Philippine soil.
Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. said that the consulate in Washington, DC has not been advised by the US State Department of any change in Obama’s state visit.
But because of adverse effects of an extended closure of federal government operations, the American president may be forced to cancel his trip.
“I can’t imagine the president going abroad with a government that’s shut down,” said former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in the wake of the dreaded US government shutdown.
President Barack Obama is scheduled to leave later this week for Asia, to fulfill US foreign policy goals, as part of the country’s pivot to Asia.
The much-awaited trip (which has been planned for months) includes a two-day sojourn in Manila (October 11 and 12). The event will also coincide with the celebration of Filipino-American History Month in the US.
The bilateral summit between  Presidents Obama and Aquino will be instrumental in strengthening economic and defense cooperation between the two nations, especially in enhancing the Philippines maritime security.
The agenda also includes defense and security issues, with the meeting set to tackle the controversial increased presence of American troops in the country.
Malacañang already allayed speculations that the US intends to establish permanent military bases in the Philippines.
During US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s recent visit to the Philippines, he made it clear that the military pact will only allow more American troops to rotate through the country.
Once approved, the deal will facilitate more joint training exercises between American and Filipinos troops, to help the Philippines improve its defense capabilities.
Regardless whether Obama’s visit will push through or not, US Ambassador Harry Thomas assured that projects under the US and Philippine bilateral relations will continue.
Recent political issues facing the country will not affect economic assistance programs of the US in the Philippines. Instead, the US will extend its assistance to help the country solve concerns on pressing matters, such as the Zamboanga City crisis and the pork barrel scam.
Thomas said that the US will always be behind the Philippines in times of need. The US Embassy has alloted Php 26.4 million in financial assistance to provide relief and emergency to the Zamboanga siege.
Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and its local partners, the agency has procured water, sleeping mats, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, buckets, and canned goods for distribution to those in need. 40 portable toilets will also be provided to ensure better sanitation and access to water for those who have been displaced.
The agency also provided P4.3 million in assistance to the local government’s relief efforts for victims of flooding and landslides caused by the recent storm that ravaged northern provinces. The assistance will be delivered to Zambales and Bataan locals, who were displaced by Typhoon Odette.
The US also aims to help the Philippine economy achieve broad-based and inclusive growth. USAID recently launched the Philippine-American (Phil-Am) Fund — a five-year S24 million grant-making facility that will support Filipino organizations to implement innovative solutions to address the country’s development challenges.
According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila, the Phil-Am Fund will cover five areas: promotion of new businesses and entrepreneurship, governance, combating trafficking in persons, adult literacy through innovative uses of technology, and biodiversity conservation.
While Obama’s visit is something to look forward to, attending to more important (and critical) matters is justifiable. It is just a cherry on top, meant to reignite and cement an established excellent collaboration between the US and the Philippines. The healthy relationship has already been welded throughout the decades.
The Philippines shares and promotes many of America’s interests in maintaining stability and development in the Asian region. This also includes thwarting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, combating terrorism and advancing an orderly process of democratic change and economic development.
In return, the US maintains the Philippines as a reliable partner in the Asian region,  with the aid packages and assistance reflecting  this belief.
(AJPress)