(From right to left) US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and peace process adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza.

US and Zambo sign MoU on bridge project

text & photos HADER GLANG

The City Government of Zamboanga and the United States Government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of Sinunuc and Taguiti bridges.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, Mayor Celso Lobregat, Peace process presidential adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza, and USAID mission director Jon Lindborg signed the MoU in a ceremony at City Hall.

“I’m very proud signing this agreement because we reaffirmed our commitment to be here with the people providing not only peace but to prosperity,” Ambassador Kenney said.

The agreement involves the construction of Taguiti Bridge, which is located in Camp Absali, a former base of Moro National Liberation Front, and the proposed construction of Sinunoc Bridge.

The proposed projects costing about P10 million will directly contribute to the socio-economic growth in the areas, including improved access, the opening of markets, reduced travel time and cost of transport.

Secretary Dureza said the signing of the agreement reaffirms the U.S. government’s commitment to support the Philippine government’s peace and development efforts especially in Mindanao.

“Let me just put across immediately the great appreciation for the support that the US government has been providing, not only of people in the cities like Zamboanga but in the remotest areas of Mindanao,” he said.

For his part, Mayor Lobregat thanked Ambassador Kenney for the visit to the city and the signing of MoU. “We are very appreciative and honored that the US ambassador chose the City of Zamboanga as her first out of town trip.”

In reply to a question on the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf group the lady ambassador told local media men, “We all take terrorists very seriously in today’s world we have no choice on that.”

In the Philippines, she said people have suffered from acts of violence and from terrorist groups. “To my mind that absolutely reinforces our determination to work to bring peace and prosperity.”

On the US advisory for Americans travelling in Mindanao, Ms. Kenney said it is one issue that she would look at.“I’m still brand new here in the Philippines and I need to get out to see the country and to hear from you all.” (ZS)