During her visit to Iloilo City on January 17, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson expressed her satisfaction with the progress of various U.S.-supported development projects. At a meeting with Mayor Jerry Treñas and city officials, Ambassador Carlson reviewed the impact of initiatives in health, education, environmental conservation, and business efficiency, many of which are supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Ambassador Carlson was particularly impressed by the updates she received on these projects, stating, ‘I had a wonderful meeting with the mayor and received an excellent briefing on the city’s projects. We are very happy at the United States embassy to see so many of our initiatives making a difference.’
Mayor Treñas highlighted the significant role of USAID in the Iloilo River Development Master Plan, which has been crucial for the successful implementation of the Iloilo Esplanade project, aimed at preventing the river’s degradation. Additionally, Iloilo City benefits from the USAID-funded Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines program, which focuses on enhancing children’s literacy and math skills. Treñas proudly noted that Iloilo City boasts the highest literacy rate in Western Visayas, currently at 94 percent, with ambitions to reach 100 percent.
The city’s collaboration with USAID extends to the Urban Connect Project, which has revolutionized business permitting through an end-to-end online system, managed by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions and Data Assessment and Systems Management Office.
Beyond her official duties, Ambassador Carlson expressed her eagerness to explore Iloilo’s culinary scene, recognized by its status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.