The US top diplomat in the Philippines is currently exploring President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. home province, Ilocos Norte, not only to discover Washington's potential programs there but also to see its wonders.
In a series of Twitter posts that started on Feb. 7, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson first set foot in Ilocos Norte, Luzon's northernmost province, where she "was fascinated by the exhibits" of the Malacañang of the North and was stunned by the "beautiful view overlooking Paoay Lake."
She also marvelled at the beauty of the Paoay Church—a "National Cultural Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site has withstood the test of time for more than three centuries."
Carlson also met with Mayor Michael Marcos Keon of Laoag, the provincial capital, who showed him the Filipino hospitality.
"Agyamanak unay," the diplomat told Keon—an Ilocano phrase for "thank you very much."
At the Mariano Marcos State University, Carlson learned from the institution's bioenergy research and innovation center. She said the US Embassy in Manila is "honored" to partner with the center.
The diplomat also met Governor Matthew Manotoc, with whom she discussed "about ways to enhance the already strong connections" between Ilocos Norte and the US.
"Lots of great ideas to explore!" she concluded.
Then Carlson transformed into a more hardworking diplomat as she oversaw the renewable energy supply of the region—a local government project that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting.
"Blown away by the vast potential for clean energy in #Ilocos Norte. @USAID_Manila is supporting the local government to improve their energy efficiency standards," she said.
