VZCZCXYZ0008
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHML #1462/01 1910923
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 100923Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4608
RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS MANILA 001462 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL KPAO EAID RP
SUBJECT: BUILDING BRIDGES TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBOANGA 
 
¶1.  Summary.  During a July 7 visit to Zamboanga City, the 
Ambassador highlighted the depth and longevity of U.S. commitment to 
peace and prosperity in Mindanao.  The Ambassador spoke at the 
inaugurations of three USG-sponsored projects, including a 
commercial wireless internet broadband (WiMax) service for the city, 
a Job Enabling English Proficiency project, and a neighborhood 
footbridge.  The Ambassador also reached out through radio and 
television interviews, and stopped in for a visit at the local 
American Corner.  Local residents enthusiastically welcomed the 
Ambassador, emphasizing their vision of Zamboanga at the center of a 
forward-leaning Mindanao.  End Summary. 
 
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Background:  Zamboanga City 
--------------------------- 
 
¶2.  Zamboanga City is a multicultural city in the Southern 
Philippines region of Mindanao, and is located at an important 
crossroads for regional trade and economic activity.  It also faces 
peace and security challenges given its proximity to 
conflict-affected areas of Mindanao and Sulu.  The U.S. has a range 
of development and security-related cooperation activities within 
Zamboanga City.  U.S. Joint Special Operations Task 
Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) is located at the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, 
advising and assisting the AFP in a non-combat role. 
 
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USG Partnerships Lay Groundwork, Train Workers for Economic 
Development 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
¶3.   Over the past several years, Zamboanga City has attempted to 
attract investments from the business process outsourcing firms that 
employ tens of thousands across the Philippine archipelago.  A lack 
of sufficient information and communication technology 
infrastructure to ensure fast and uninterrupted internet connections 
has been a common concern of interested companies.  In cooperation 
with Globe Telecom, the Ambassador launched a cutting-edge 
commercial internet service called WiMax that covers all of 
Zamboanga City and aims to benefit not only enterprise but also 
health and education sectors.  Uniting the themes of peace and 
development, the Ambassador expressed sadness at the previous day's 
deadly bombing attacks in Cotabato City and called for a return of 
all sides to peace and reconciliation talks. 
 
¶4.  Building on new business, health, and education opportunities 
provided by commercial WiMax service, the Ambassador also launched 
USG-funded Job Enabling English Proficiency (JEEP) Projects at 
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and Zamboanga State College 
of Marine Science and Technology.  The JEEP Project aims to improve 
the employability of graduates of Mindanao colleges and universities 
by expanding and enhancing English language training capabilities, 
with particular focus on business process outsourcing, nursing, and 
other job fields important to the Philippine economy.  Of special 
significance to the several hundred students and faculty in 
attendance was the memorable detail that the USG provided funding 
for the 1915-era  grand social hall at WMSU where the event was 
held. 
 
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Infrastructure Projects Bridge the Gap in Village Commerce and 
Reconciliation 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
¶5.  Under the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, USAID 
has financed 26 infrastructure projects in Zamboanga and more than 
900 across Mindanao and Sulu, with 1,000 more planned in the next 
four years.  In leading the turnover of Tugbungan Footbridge to 
local government officials, the Ambassador demonstrated the 
importance of economic growth to sustainable peace, and the 
continuing commitment of both the Philippine and U.S. governments to 
the peace process. 
 
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A Legacy of Engagement 
---------------------- 
 
¶6.  The residents of Zamboanga are not forgetful.  In thanking the 
Ambassador for USG investment in the JEEP Project, the President of 
WMSU also recalled that much of the university infrastructure was 
constructed with USG assistance dating back generations before. 
Similarly, when the Ambassador paid a visit to the American Corner 
at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, she was directed to a plaque 
thanking the United States for its earlier 1987 investment for the 
larger library where the American Corner is housed.  Just as the 
United States consistently encourages peace and development in 
Mindanao, the President of Ateneo said his greatest challenge in 
governing a university is not the education of students but rather 
the advancement of peace and order. 
 
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Media Outreach 
-------------- 
 
¶7.  The Ambassador's visit received extensive regional print and 
broadcast coverage, as well as national print media coverage.  In 
addition to media asides at each event, the Ambassador also gave a 
live interview to Radio Mindanao and a recorded interview to a local 
television station.  The Ambassador reached out to the diverse and 
talented population of Zamboanga, highlighting U.S. assistance in 
the region and encouraging a focus on peace and reconciliation as 
Mindanao searches for sustained economic prosperity and development. 
 Thanking Zamboanguenos for welcoming her as an adopted daughter of 
the city, the Ambassador took the opportunity to reaffirm 
Zamboanga's importance as a regional trade center and a leading city 
of Mindanao. 
 
KENNEY