United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, along with other U.S. Embassy officials, paid Gov. Gwen Garcia a courtesy visit at the Capitol on Friday, May 19.
The U.S. envoy is currently in Cebu for several engagements here.
During their meeting, Gov. Gwen and Amb. Carlson talked about several matters, including the Provincial Government’s programs and tourism efforts like the Suroy Suroy Sugbo.
The governor shared how Capitol implemented several economic programs especially during the pandemic that have greatly helped Cebu in its recovery. She shared about the R’ Cebu trade fair, Sugbo Negosyo, and Dasig Sugbo – all these were implemented at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and typhoon Odette.
The ambassador also briefly shared the possibility that the US government might finally set up a Consulate office here in Cebu, that would bring US visa services closer to the region.
This is likely to happen if the US Congress approves the budget intended for this purpose.
Currently, people would have to go to Manila for personal appearance for their US visa interviews. | Carlo Lorenciana