This as US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney visited Cagayan de Oro Wednesday, for the 2nd Strong Republic Nautical Highway Conference for the Central Seaboard together with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Mayor Jaraula said that aside from the fact that President Arroyo is a regular guest of the city, Ambassador Kenney’s visit today attests to Cagayan de Oro’s reputation as a safe place for local and foreign guests.
At the 2nd SRNH Conference held at the Xavier Estates where President Arroyo was the Keynote Speaker, Ambassador Kenney acknowledged Cagayan de Oro’s role in the Roll-On Roll-Off (RO-RO) Ferry System of the SRNH.
“This conference to my mind, is important especially that it is held here in Mindanao, particularly in Cagayan de Oro which is a great gateway for products in Mindanao to reach the world.”. Ambassador Kenney disclosed.
After a luncheon meeting with President Arroyo and other key government officials, Ambassador Kenney visited the newly inaugurated MacArthur Memorial Marker at the Macabalan Wharf where she was warmly welcomed by Mayor Jaraula, the members of the MacArthur Memorial Marker Committee and the people of Cagayan de Oro.
In her message at the MacArthur Marker, the US Ambassador underscored the great Filipino-American friendship symbolized by the establishment of the MacArthur Memorial Marker.
“Thank you for recognizing America’s role in Cagayan de Oro’s past and we hope to continue to be a part of your future,” Ambassador Kenney addressed the Cagayanon crowd at the Macabalan Wharf.
The establishment of the MacArthur Memorial Marker was aggressively pursued by Mayor Jaraula to highlight Cagayan de Oro’s significant role in the Liberation Trail.
Mayor Jaraula is also set to travel to Norfolk City in Virginia, USA to seal a sister city relationship which is currently being worked out between the two cities.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jaraula welcomed President Arroyo’s initiative of launching the 2nd Strong Republic Nautical Highway for the Central Nautical Highway which kicked off Monday this week from the port of Bulan, Sorsogon all the way to the port of Cawayan in Masbate, to the port of Bogo in Cebu, Tubigon and Jagna Ports in Bohol and the Mambajao Port in Camiguin and ended at the Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental this morning.
Mayor Jaraula said that the launching of the 2nd SRNH is a timely response of the national government that highlights the significance of the RO-RO ferry system in these times when the country suffers rice scarcity. (City Information Office)
