USAID director reaffirms strong partnership with Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The incoming mission director of the United States Agency for International Development for the Philippines has reaffirmed the strong development partnership between the Philippine government and USAID, the Philippine embassy in Washington said yesterday.

Susan Brems is a career member of the Senior US Foreign Service with the rank of minister-counselor and served as a development diplomat for USAID for 23 years. 

She previously served as mission director in Zambia (2011-2015), deputy assistant  administrator in the Bureau for Global Health  (2009-2011), and mission director for Angola (2007-2009).

During a meeting on Sept. 1, Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. expressed appreciation for the technical and financial support that the US, through the USAID,  provides to the Philippines.   

He also briefed Brems on the recent economic developments, including the good governance efforts under the administration, particularly with respect to transparency and public accountability. 

“It was a great opportunity to discuss with Brems our government’s commitment to improving the lives of average Filipinos, as well as the social development objectives under the President’s leadership,” he said. “We also exchanged views on the conditional cash transfer program of the government.”

Cuisia also encouraged USAID’s continued support in the following areas: judicial reforms,  rule of law, innovation and technology,  economic development, educational cooperation and public health. 

Brems is continuing USAID’s strong program and cooperation in the Philippines.

She will be taking over from outgoing USAID mission director Gloria Steele.

Her mission also covers Pacific islands and Mongolia.

Last Aug. 12, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, on behalf of President Aquino, conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Maharlika on Steele during a simple ceremony at the National Treasury building in Manila.