Ambassador sees no need to transfer US Embassy to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. is not keen on the request of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to bring back to Cebu the United State Embassy, where Cebuanos and neighboring islands could easily process their visas and documents instead of going to Manila.

While he did not directly turn down the request of the mayor, Thomas said that processing of US visas and other documents no longer take long because applicants can even make queries and fill up their forms through the internet.

According to Thomas, the US Embassy in Manila is the second largest embassy of the US in the entire world.   Thomas was here in Cebu for the All-American roadshow which highlights the services the American embassy is giving. The roadshow also provides a cross-cultural exchange between citizens of the country, a former US colony.

Thomas said the “America in 3D,” which is a “roadshow in Diplomacy, Development, and Defense”, is his personal initiative that takes the Embassy on the road throughout the Philippines to deepen the relationship between Americans and Filipinos. 

The America in 3D started in Manila and after seeing the success of their road show in Manila, they decided to bring it to Baguio last July.

The Cebu event is the third time the US Embassy conducted their roadshow where everyone will be treated with American food, vintage cars, sports, jazz music, hip-hop dances and history.

Thomas added that as the country’s ally, the Philippines will always be a priority for Americans and they will do this by bringing to the cities services of their embassy in Manila.    - (THE FREEMAN)