Stronger relations

CEBU, Philippines — In her first official visit to Cebu, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson disclosed that there is now a stronger connectivity between the Philippines and the US and that enhancement of military capabilities is now in the works.

Carlson, in a roundtable discussion with some media outlets, including The Freeman, said it is very important for her to go around the country to check on the programs and projects that the US government is supporting.

She mentioned the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as having a very impressive structure with more prospects for growth.

Carlson said there are already talks with the American Chamber of Commerce for stronger connectivity while the US government is working on an air services agreement together with the country’s Department Of Transportation.

“Our current services agreement is about 30 years old and we think there is a lot that can be done to modernize that agreement to ways for our airlines to be met more efficiently to bring more tourists, more business people here,” Carlson said.

Carlson also noted that the Department of Tourism is also keen on enhancing connectivity with the US.

Along with this, she said lives and livelihoods should also be protected at all times, assuring that the US government is looking into helping the country with its military enhancement effort via the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

EDCA enables the U.S. and Philippine militaries to train together, respond to natural and humanitarian crises, and achieve modernization goals signed in 2014.

The US and the Philippines chose the EDCA locations together, with Philippine leadership providing final approval. These sites include the Mactan-Benito Abuen Air Base, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and the Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

The US has allocated over $82 million for projects at the five existing EDCA locations with $2.7 million of it allocated for fuel storage facility.

“We’re investing money to build a fuel depot. Two large tanks will be positioned there so they can enhance the ability of Philippine aircraft to come in and refuel,” said Carlson.

The US ambassador said the fuel depot at Mactan airbase is now 28% complete and is expected to be finished by September or October of this year.

“This fuel depot was identified as a need in the Philippines for refueling to get to the north to south, east to west,” added Carlson.

The Philippine government retains sovereignty and control over EDCA-agreed locations, Carlson stressed.

“Once that site is completed, it will enhance interoperability between US forces and Philippines forces... But that site belongs to the Philippines,” said Carlson while also saying that it’s up to the Philippine government as to who else can use and refuel on that fuel depot based on other agreements formed. —

 (FREEMAN)