Injured US envoy launches new projects in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - Limping and walking with a cane and aid, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr., despite suffering pain on his knees, arrived Wednesday here to ensure his government projects commitment to bring continued peace and stability in Mindanao

Thomas, during the launching of US Agency for International Development (USAID) projects at a local hotel here, said  he slipped while ballroom dancing Tuesday night in Manila.

“Before the press asks this question – I had a dance last night and hurt my knees,” Thomas said.

Talks were rife   that Thomas's visit  could be his last in Mindanao as he will end his tour of duty by the end of July.

Thomas did not comment on the issue  even as some sources from the embassy dismissed the reports.

Thomas expressed his gratitude  for the opportunity to  be partnering with various national and regional government agencies  as well as  local government units in helping Mindanao's development.

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

According to Thomas, the projects were designed based on  their years of experience in Mindanao.

Thomas and USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele launched three new projects designed to strengthen local government units, improve youth access to education, and enhance the delivery of vital health services across conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

Thomas said the project dubbed as Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) seeks to address governance challenges that lead to continued social and economic instabilities and marginalization.

He said the five-year project also aims to promote community empowerment as a foundation for inclusive local governance.

Another project that will run for similar period is the Mindanao Youth Development (MYDev) which seeks to strengthen the capacity of local government units, communities, and stakeholders to deliver education and training services to out-of-school youth.

Thomas was optimistic the project would increase youth access to education through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System which is designed to enhance out-of-school youth higher chance of employment with the relevant education and skills training.

The third program which Thomas and Steel launched as the Integrated Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition/Family Planning Regional project in Mindanao or (MindanaoHealth) which is designed to help delivery of health services in conflict –affected areas in Mindanao.

MindanaoHealth will work in 19 provinces,  two cities, and 366 municipalities to accelerate progress toward the Millennium Development Goals, the US embassy said.