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Ambassador Signs $179,000 Grant to Fight Human Trafficking, Tours U.S. Embassy-Sponsored Programs During Visit to Davao

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney signs a $179,000 U.S. Government grant to the Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF) to expand halfway house operations for victims of trafficking in persons. The grant, which she signed during a June 22 visit to Davao, was co-signed by Ms. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, VFF President (front row, left). The VFF operates the halfway houses constructed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Manila, Davao City, Batangas, and Sorsogon. Also pictured are Aida Dizon, PPA's Assistant General Manager for Operations (back row, left) and Christian Santillan, Davao Port Manager.
During her June 22 visit to Davao, Ambassador Kenney met the staff of a Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF) halfway house for victims of trafficking in persons. Ms. Cecil Flores-Oebanda, VFF President (far right) gave the Ambassador a tour of the facility. Ambassador Kenney signed a $179,000 grant to the VFF during her visit; the American people have supported VFF's efforts through several grants over the past five years to support anti-trafficking programs.
Ambassador Kenney with staff of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) during a visit to Davao on June 22. She visited Davao's Sasa Pier for a ceremony to hand over a $179,000 grant to the Visayan Forum Foundation, which operates the halfway houses constructed by the Philippine Ports Authority in Manila, Davao City, Batangas, and Sorsogon. These halfway houses provide protective services to victims of human trafficking.
While in Davao on June 22, Ambassador Kenney met with local government and business leaders to discuss U.S.-Philippines initiatives and programs in the Davao area. "The wide variety of partnerships between the American people and Davaoeños is a great example of the continuing friendship between our two countries," said Ambassador Kenney. Pictured are Antonio Floirendo, Sr., President and Chairman, Anflo Management & Investment Corporation; Cesar Balan, Director of Central Bank Regional Office-Davao; Anthony Dizon, President and Chief Operating Officer, Koldstor Center Philippines; and Attorney Wendel Avisado.
Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Antonio Samson (right) hosted Ambassador Kenney at the school to talk with students and tour the U.S. Embassy-sponsored American Studies Resource Center (ASRC), where students can find books and materials about the United States, attend programs on global issues, and participate in Internet chats with U.S. Embassy staff. ASRC Director Leonisa Sales (left) showed the Ambassador the materials used by students in the ASRC.
Ambassador Kenney spoke with students majoring in international relationships at Ateneo de Davao University during her June 22 visit to Davao. Her remarks to the majority last-year students focused on the paths they might take upon graduation. She discussed ideas of achievement and the importance of making career choices that are personally fulfilling, and described her own distinguished career in government service.
Ambassador Kenney and Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Antonio Samson pose with students after the Ambassador's remarks and question-and-answer session during a June 22 visit hosted by President Samson. "I have been looking forward to visiting Davao since my arrival in the Philippines," said Ambassador Kenney. During her visit, Ambassador Kenney noted that Davao is the headquarters of the U.S. Embassy's only Virtual Presence Post in the Philippines. The "Virtual Consulate Davao" is an Internet resource for citizens to learn more about U.S. Embassy programs and ask questions of Embassy staff.
At the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines's annual meeting on June 22 in Davao, Ambassador Kenney spoke about the U.S. Government's efforts to help modernize the Philippine agricultural and fisheries sector. More than $2 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grants and programs have improved food product trade between the U.S. and Philippines, leading to economic growth and development for the private sector.

Last Update :: 06/26/2006

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