more on the Ambassador's Visit

(Let me give you another article written by Joey Gabieta for today's edition of the Leyte Samar Daily Express)

Ambassador Kristie Kenney resembles presidential visit

CALBAYOG CITY - Last Saturday’s visit of US Ambassador Kristie Kenney to this city has the trimmings of a presidential visit.

The grand presentation of the visiting US ambassador was made sure by the city’s mayor, Mel Senen Sarmiento, who said that the visit of Kenney to their city “awe” him.

Which was just right considering that Kenney was the first ever ambassador of the United States of America to ever set foot in this city or in any part of the entire Samar Island.

Last Saturday’s visit of Kenney was also her first visit to any parts of Eastern Visayas.

“Words were not enough on the presence of her Excellency, Ambassador Kristie Kenney here in Calbayog City,” Sarmiento said.

Kenney visited Calbayog last Saturday as the 928-members of the US Navy ended their almost a month medical and engineering mission covering barangays of this city and nearby towns of Santa Margarita, Gandara and San Vicente, in Northern Samar.

During her more than four-hour visit, Kenney was welcomed at the city airport by Sarmiento and other officials. Among those who welcomed the US ambassador were Northern Samar Governor Raul Daza, Samar Representative Reynaldo Uy, police and Army officials led by Brigadier General Arthur Tabaquero, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division.

(Ambassador Kenney with Gen. Arthur Tabaquero)

(Ambassador Kenny with Mayor Mel Sarmiento)

(Ambassador Kenney with Cong. Reynaldo Uy)

(Ambassador Kenney with Gov. Raul Daza)

Kenney was accompanied by acting Secretary Edcel Custodio of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

At the Calbayog City airport, security men, both in uniform and in civilian attire, could be seen all over to ensure the safety of the visiting American dignitary.

Tabaquero said that aside from the security preparation designed by the local, the embassy has also provided their own security measure for Kenney.

As her group were proceeding to the Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology, which was more than three kilometers away from the airport, thousands of elementary and high school students lined up the streets waving flags of the Philippines and the US.

Kenney, in her speech, said she too was happy to be accorded with warm greetings from the people and officials of the city. In her own words, she described the welcome as “extra-ordinary.”

Members of the city’s dance troupe provided the entertainment to Kenney’s group.
The US ambassador also proceeded to visit a high school where she conducted a reading session with some of the school’s students and teachers. She also led in the inauguration of a barangay health center.

Earlier, the members of the US mercy mission were also treated to a special evening by the city government as a send-off was tendered to them at the Nijaga Park. Local artists including the famed Sarakiki Festival, entertained their foreign guests.

(Ambassador Kenney as she watched the Sarakiki-Hadang Performance with Cong. Reynaldo Uy, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and DFA Asec Edsal Custodio)

During their goodwill mission, the group was able to provide health services close to 30,000 people; build a water and waste treatment facility and health centers.