Thomas launches 3 USAID projects

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Walking with a limp and using a cane, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. arrived here yesterday to launch three new projects of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

“I had a dance last night and hurt my knees,” Thomas told reporters upon his arrival at  the Garden Orchid Hotel here.

Thomas was among the models at a fundraising event dubbed “Global Fashion Flair,” a project of the International Bazaar Foundation and the Spouses of Heads of Mission at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay Tuesday night. Ambassadors and their spouses modeled the best of Philippine wear during the event.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas does the twist at a fashion show the other night. JOVEN CAGANDE

Thomas danced the twist during the ballroom dancing after the fashion show.

He refused to comment on reports that it was his last visit to this city as ambassador before the end of his tour of duty in July. 

Thomas thanked national and regional government officials for helping implement various development programs in the region.

“We celebrate and we affirm our commitment to peace and stability in Mindanao through three new USAID projects,” he said.  

USAID mission director Gloria Steele and Thomas launched the projects.

Thomas said the five-year Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement project seeks to address governance challenges that lead to continued social and economic instabilities and marginalization. 

He said the Mindanao Youth Development program aims to improve youth access to education, mainly through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System. 

The third project – Integrated Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition and Family Planning Regional project or MindanaoHealth – is seen to facilitate the delivery of health services in conflict areas in Mindanao.

Thomas cut short his trip to Zamboanga to return to Manila for an assessment of his knee injury.

“Ambassador Thomas suffered an aggravation of an earlier knee injury,” US Embassy spokesperson Bettina Malone said in a text message to The STAR. – With Pia Lee-Brago