U.S. Ambassador Meets with Baguio Veterans, Advocates of Women/Children Welfare

Manila, September 5, 2012 -- U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. met with Baguio civic leaders, war veterans and advocates for women and children’s rights during a visit to Baguio today.

This morning, Ambassador Thomas held discussions at the American Residence with leaders, volunteers, members and staff of SAVE Our Women, a group that is fighting to reduce violence against women and children, particularly domestic violence.  SAVE Our Women is one of two non-governmental organizations on the Baguio City Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children. 

Ambassador Thomas has spoken in various fora during his time in the Philippines about U.S. Government support for local efforts to combat trafficking-in-persons and for building respect for human rights, including violence against women and children.

Ambassador Thomas also took time during his visit to honor War Veterans, by joining Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, along with U.S. and Philippine officials and members of the local chapter of the American Legion for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Park Memorial on Harrison Road.  The Ambassador met briefly with media following the ceremony.  As part of the U.S. Embassy’s continuing engagement with veterans, Ambassador Thomas hosted an afternoon reception for the group along with other local officials at the American Residence, a site of enduring diplomatic, military, and cultural significance in American and Philippine history.

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