US undersecretary Karen Hughes visits Sulu

Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, visited Jolo on January 25 with Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney to learn about U.S. Government-sponsored projects for development, peace, and prosperity in the region.

She is in the Philippines for a three-day visit that included a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where she expressed President George W. Bush’s congratulations to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their recent successes in the war on terror.

In Sulu, Under Secretary Hughes toured projects that are meant to give people “the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” she said. “By investing in the lives of people, we are investing in peace and prosperity – in the kind of peaceful development that in the long run will be necessary to sustain progress against terrorism.”

During the visit, she toured a road that was rehabilitated with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This farm-to-market road, which connects Maimbung to Jolo, will allow agricultural produce to be transported more cheaply to market and improve access for local residents to schools and health facilities.Pictured above on the new road are (L to R) Ambassador Kenney; Jon Lindborg, Director, USAID; Governor Ben Loong; Under Secretary Hughes; Under Secretary Virgilio Leyretana, MEDCO; and Maimbung Mayor Hadji Najib Maldisa.

She also visited Maimbung High School, which is a participant in USAID’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connectivity (CLIC) Project. Under the CLIC program, the school received 10 computers and Internet connections to help the students access learning materials. Under Secretary Hughes also helped inaugurate a Home Economics Center that is co-funded by USAID and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

Under Secretary Hughes also attended a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) being held in Maimbung. The program offers free health care to area residents and is sponsored by the U.S. and Philippine militaries, in cooperation with local officials. (PRESS/PHOTO RELEASE)