Embassy of the United States in Manila

High Speed Vessel (HSV-X1) visits Zamboanga, unloads “Shared Futures” donations for Sulu communities

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat (left), U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Scott Bellard, Vice Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco, Sulu Gov. Benjamin Loong, and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali

(Above, from left:) Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat (left), U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Scott Bellard, Vice Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco, Sulu Gov. Benjamin Loong, and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali look at the school supplies contained in the 4,500 backpacks donated by the U.S. “Shared Futures” program for Sulu students. The donation included 600 sewing machines and hospital medical equipment. Acting DCM Bellard and Mindanao local officials presided over the ceremony to unload the donation from Joint Venture High Speed Vessel – X1 (HSV-X1) at the Zamboanga Pier on October 27.


	Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Scott Bellard hands a sewing machine donated by the American people under the “Shared Futures” program to Sulu Gov. Loong and Basilan Gov. Akbar. (Left photo, left to right:) LTC Mike Donnelly, SOCPAC Public Affairs Officer, Vice Mayor Climaco, Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sahali, Acting DCM Bellard, Sulu Gov. Loong, and Basilan Gov. Akbar help unload donations from HSV-X1.

	(Left photo:) Zamboanga Mayor Lobregat presents to HSV-X1 Commander Thomas Shaw a mounted replica of the native sword kris in welcoming him and his crew to the city. (Below:) A crew member of the HSV-X1 briefs reporters on the ship’s capabilities and role as a cargo and personnel transport vessel during humanitarian operations.

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