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WASHINGTON/MANILA (PhilAmPress) – With the increasing tension over disputed islands and reefs in West Philippine Sea and South China Sea on the backdrop, United States President Barack Obama heads to Manila for his first ever visit in the country on October 11 and 12.
No details about the visit have been made public but it was earlier announced that Mr. Obama will meet Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and members of Philippine Congress and the US President has been looking forward to their meeting in Malacanang.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Aquino have actually met many times in the United States and in meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and observers expect a warm meeting next.
Obama’s visit comes on the heels of war exercises of thousands of American and Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea and in other areas.
The Philippines and the United States are also in a continuing dialogue for an agreement on additional American soldiers, ships, airplanes and war equipment and materials to be on rotational basing in the former US bases in Subic and Clark freeports.
It was expected that the agreement maybe signed during Obama’s visit, but the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was not part of the agenda of the talks between Obama and Aquino.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. also clarified that the military agreement will be taken up by Mr. Obama and Mr. Aquino in their talks in Malacanang, but some military matters maybe discussed.
Thomas, however, hinted that the ongoing US immigration reforms and the clamor for benefits for Filipino war veterans maybe taken up during their talks.
“I think that President Obama, who considers himself many things—African-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, who grew up partially in Indonesia—has a special affinity for this part of the world and is very much looking forward to this visit,” Thomas said at the US Embassy forum in Makati City last week.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Aquino may also tackle wide ranging topics involving economic, trade and cultural ties between their two countries, said Thomas at the forum, “Kapihan sa Embahada.”
To prepare for the historic visit of President Obama, President Aquino has appointed Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, California Marciano Paynor Jr. as head of a body to handle the hosting and activities during the visit.
Prior to flying to Manila, Mr. Obama and Mr. Aquino will join the APEC Leaders Summit in Bali, Indonesia.
A Malacanang spokesperson sees a very fruitful meeting between the two Presidents in Manila next month.
Presidential Communication Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said preparations are in full swing and underway for the visit of President Obama who is expected to arrive for a two-day visit from October 11 to 12.
“Well, patuloy ‘yung preparations for the Obama visit. We expect him to arrive on the 11th (of October) pagkatapos po ng mga summit ng ASEAN at APEC na dadaluhan din ni Pangulong Aquino. And we’re hoping that this visit will be very fruitful in strengthening our relations sa United States,” Carandang said.
“Our relations with the United States, hindi lang naman defense ‘yon, ano, we have economic, cultural, historical ties. At, with the pivot of the United States dito sa East Asia, mas lalong tumitibay ang samahan natin sa Estados Unidos,” he added.
He said that aside from discussing bilateral agreements on defense and trade, other talks will also center on political and regional issues.
“Well, maraming pag-uusapan, ano. Pag-uusapan, of course, ‘yung defense cooperation, ‘yung rotational presence; pag-uusapan din natin ang ilang mga bagay sa kalakalan sa international scene, so lahat po ng mga… Marami pong trade and economic and political and regional issues ang pag-uusapan,” Carandang said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID), donated P4.3 million ($100,000) to assist in the Philippine Government’s relief efforts for victims of flooding and landslides in Zambales and Bataan.
The two provinces suffered massive damage due to the southwest monsoon intensified by Typhoon Odette (international codename: Usagi).
Ambassador Thomas, Jr. said, “On behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.”
The assistance will provide for immediate relief items including hygiene kits and water purification supplies for up to 10,000 displaced and other affected people, according to a US Embassy statement.
“I would like to commend the “bayanihan” spirit demonstrated by the communities in helping those in need. We will work with our Philippine Government counterparts to boost their relief efforts and help the victims overcome this tragedy,” the Ambassador said.
Over the past five years, the United States, through USAID has provided P3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to help the Philippines cope with the effects of disaster.