CEBU (Zamboanga Journal / 19 May) U.S. Ambassador to Manila Kristie A. Kenney visited Cebu island Friday and toured the Mactan Export Processing Zone with Filipino officials.
Kenney saw an example of American investment in Cebu when she toured the Timex Philippines, Inc. distribution center in the Mactan Export Processing Zone.
Kenney saw an example of American investment in Cebu when she toured the Timex Philippines, Inc. distribution center in the Mactan Export Processing Zone.
An affiliate of the U.S.-based Timex Corporation in Connecticut, Timex has invested more than US$10 million in Cebu. The company produces and distributes the world-famous Timex and other popular brands of watches.
While in Cebu, Kenney also participated in celebrations in Lapu-Lapu City to mark May as the "Month of the Ocean."
Kenney also joined Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza, who presented her with Visitor Ticket No. 000001, as they unveiled the city's novel Environmental and Visitors Fee System. The new system will collect a 50-peso environmental management fee from tourists as they check in at any accommodation establishment within the city.
The proceeds from the fee will support Lapu-Lapu's efforts to manage coastal resources, rehabilitate coral reef areas, and patrol marine sanctuaries.
U.S. development assistance to the Philippines funds a number of initiatives to protect the abundant coastal resources of Cebu, and also helped Lapu-Lapu City develop this new system.
The Environmental and Visitors Fee system will generate much-needed revenue for Lapu-Lapu's coastal resource management program.
Kenney's visit to Lapu-Lapu reaffirmed Washington's commitment to conserving and protecting the environment, while promoting sustainable tourism in the region. She praised the work of environmental activists who are on the frontlines in defense of the environment.
Kenney's visit to Lapu-Lapu reaffirmed Washington's commitment to conserving and protecting the environment, while promoting sustainable tourism in the region. She praised the work of environmental activists who are on the frontlines in defense of the environment.
The coastal resource management program of Lapu-Lapu is supported by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) through a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with local government, Ocean Care Foundation, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation.
It was Kenney's first trip to the central Philippine island since she assumed as new ambassador early this year.
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