Friday, September 22, 2006

Kenney Inspects U.S.-Funded Projects In South RP

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 22 Sept) U.S. Ambassador to Manila Kristie A. Kenney inspected Friday Washington-funded infrastructure projects in the southern port city of General Santos, officials said.

Jesus Dureza, Filipino presidential peace adviser, accompanied Kenney in General Santos City where she also handed several Internet-ready computer sets to the Nicolas Barreras National High School.

The donation was part of the U.S. Agency for International Development's Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC), which provides computers, printers, software, and equipment to connect schools in remote areas to the Internet.

In General Santos alone, the U.S. donated computers and equipment 14 schools. Almost 400 schools have benefited from the CLIC program.

“This is my first visit to General Santos City and I’m thrilled to meet the citizens who work so hard for peace and prosperity here. The American people have supported development in the area for more than a decade, including funding for major infrastructure projects such as the Makar Wharf, the airport, and several major roads.”

“Our partnerships with the people of General Santos have in common one goal: to create prosperity for families here,” she said.

Kenney later met with officials from Dole Philippines, an American firm that employs hundreds of local residents in the world’s largest integrated pineapple plantation, cannery, and packaging complex.

She also met with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ new Eastern Mindanao Command to learn about regional security issues and discuss how the U.S. can assist in developing the area.

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