United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson announced that Philippine and other foreign officials can write their messages to the late former US president Jimmy Carter in a condolence book.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson signs the book of condolences for the death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president. (Photo courtesy of Amb. Carlson)
A post on X (formerly Twitter) showed the envoy herself writing on one of the pages on Monday, Jan. 6.
“In honor of former President James Earl Carter Jr., we opened a condolence book for messages from Philippine and foreign officials,” the ambassador captioned her post.
Carter, the 39th US president, died at the age of 100 last Dec. 29 in a hospice in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
A global humanitarian icon, the longest-lived American president was known for his work in forging peace, advancing civil and human rights, and promoting free and fair elections.
The Carter Center, the foundation he started, announced that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Carlson said the public, on the other hand, can leave their messages to the late former US president via the Carter Center’s online condolence book, which can be accessed on https://secure.cartercenter.org/site/SSurvey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=4660.
The link leads to a page wherein anyone can leave a message, as well as their name, country, and email address.
The Carter family asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made instead to the Center.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Manila’s operations will be suspended on Thursday, Jan. 9, following US President Joe Biden's announcement of closure of the executive department of agencies as a mark of respect for the former leader.
Hence, "all visa interviews and American Citizens Services (ACS) appointments at the U.S. Embassy on January 9 are canceled and will need to be rescheduled," the announcement read.
However, the offsite Visa Application Center will remain open on Jan. 9 for applicants who are scheduled for photo and fingerprint collection.
Those who already made appointments must check their emails for rescheduling instructions from the consular service.