US envoy eyes dialogue with governors on EDCA sites
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Published May 17, 2023 09:03 am
United States (US) Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson is “absolutely” open to meeting with governors who have expressed concern about the opening of four additional sites that the US military would have access to under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (ANC screenshot)
During an interview on ANC’s “Headstart,” the envoy said she would be “happy” to meet with them.
“Absolutely. We are open when governors travel to Manila, we are always happy to meet with them,” she stated.
“I’m personally happy to meet with them even in the embassy or invite them to the residence or meet them at a place of their choosing. We do travel around the country and meet governors as well,” she divulged.
This was in reference to the reported apprehension by Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba on his province being used as one of the new EDCA sites. A prayer vigil against EDCA was attended by some 5,000 Cagayanos last April.
Carlson explained that EDCA should not cause worry because it aims to improve military facilities in the country.
“EDCA site is a project really on existing Philippine facility. So, it’s really about injecting capital and improving our two military ability to work together,” she said.
She also explained that there are other shared challenges both countries must address.
“We certainly have global challenges when it comes to climate change, cyber security, environmental degradation of our surrounding seas and climate. There is so much we are working on together,” the envoy furthered.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that he has already reached out to local government units (LGUs) that have expressed concern over the EDCA expansion to explain how it could benefit their provinces.
While some reports said Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III also raised concerns about his province being used for a new EDCA site, he stressed there was no reason for him to turn away the potential development of the Eastern seaboard, the nearest to Benham Rise.
The new EDCA sites earlier identified by the Philippine government are in Balabac Island in Palawan and in Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.
The sites in Isabela and Cagayan in the northernmost tip of the country, however, have alarmed Beijing because of its proximity to Taiwan, whose independence is being threatened by China.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (ANC screenshot)
During an interview on ANC’s “Headstart,” the envoy said she would be “happy” to meet with them.
“Absolutely. We are open when governors travel to Manila, we are always happy to meet with them,” she stated.
“I’m personally happy to meet with them even in the embassy or invite them to the residence or meet them at a place of their choosing. We do travel around the country and meet governors as well,” she divulged.
This was in reference to the reported apprehension by Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba on his province being used as one of the new EDCA sites. A prayer vigil against EDCA was attended by some 5,000 Cagayanos last April.
Carlson explained that EDCA should not cause worry because it aims to improve military facilities in the country.
“EDCA site is a project really on existing Philippine facility. So, it’s really about injecting capital and improving our two military ability to work together,” she said.
She also explained that there are other shared challenges both countries must address.
“We certainly have global challenges when it comes to climate change, cyber security, environmental degradation of our surrounding seas and climate. There is so much we are working on together,” the envoy furthered.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that he has already reached out to local government units (LGUs) that have expressed concern over the EDCA expansion to explain how it could benefit their provinces.
While some reports said Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III also raised concerns about his province being used for a new EDCA site, he stressed there was no reason for him to turn away the potential development of the Eastern seaboard, the nearest to Benham Rise.
The new EDCA sites earlier identified by the Philippine government are in Balabac Island in Palawan and in Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.
The sites in Isabela and Cagayan in the northernmost tip of the country, however, have alarmed Beijing because of its proximity to Taiwan, whose independence is being threatened by China.