Honorary Filipino

ASKED what he would miss most about his home for more than three years, outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas recently told Inquirer.net that it would be “Its people (Filipinos).”
In previous interviews, Thomas said the Filipinos are the number one asset of the country and is the reason why the economy continues to improve amid the global recession. He also described the country as having the most potential among countries in South East Asia in terms of economic growth feasibility.
Wearing a barong Tagalog, Ambassador Thomas met with President Benigno Aquino at the Malacañang Palace last October 15 to bid his farewell.  Thomas expressed his gratitude to President Aquino for the support and cooperation he received during his three year-tenure.
In recognition of his “invaluable contribution to deepening the relations between the Philippines and the United States,” Thomas was awarded by the Philippine President the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross, Silver Distinction (Datu, Katangiang Pilak).
Established in 1953, the prestigious award is conferred by the President on “individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines.”
The recognition cited the outgoing ambassador’s “advocacy for a stronger, more robust Philippines-United States defense alliance, playing a key role in the signing of the 2011 Manila Declaration that reaffirmed the Philippines-United States of America Mutual Defense Treaty.”
From his many contributions in boosting lasting and fruitful partnership between the US and the Philippines, Thomas was also honored for fostering Philippine democracy and development, especially for taking the lead on the establishment and implementation of the programs under the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the partnership for Growth.
Aquino also commended Thomas for his support in times of calamities, especially for the significant assistance (from the US to address the disasters caused by Typhoons Pablo and Sendong).
Thomas said that the US will always be behind the Philippines in times of need. It still manifests today during the whole debacle in Zamboanga City. The US Embassy has alloted P26.4 million in financial assistance to provide relief and emergency to Zamboanga siege.
Thomas was also recognized for  initiating US-funded projects throughout the country and for pursuing activities that nurtured friendship, mutual appreciation and understanding between Filipinos and Americans.
Meanwhile, Malacañang expressed confidence that the good relations between the two nations will remain strong under the leadership of incoming Ambassador Philip Goldberg. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the new envoy’s presence will be critical, noticing the planned increase in rotational presence of US troops in the country.
Despite leaving his post by the end of his term this year, Ambassador Thomas is not about to let go of his Filipino connection. “His fiancée, after all, is Filipina,” Inquirer.net also reported.
Needless to say, Ambassador Thomas is ending his successful stint on a high note—leaving incoming diplomats to the country with one tough act to follow. 
(AJPress)