US Ambassador Philip Goldberg has been getting a lot of invitations to speak lately — which is not really surprising considering the high popularity ratings the United States enjoys nowadays. The American ambassador has become even more popular and in-demand in large part due to the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama scheduled at the end of this month.
Ambassador Goldberg was in fact the guest speaker before the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) last Thursday at the Manila Polo Club. The Manila Rotary happens to be the oldest and the most prestigious in Asia, and its membership is composed of some of the most prominent members of society and the captains of industry. It goes without saying that the RCM is of course very discriminating when it comes to choosing speakers for its gatherings and events.
As noted by the Ambassador during his speech, the Obama visit will spell deeper friendship and stronger ties between the Philippines and the United States. No doubt the visit is very opportune considering the country’s current tension with China.
The onslaught of typhoon Yolanda definitely underscored the longtime friendship between the two countries especially since the US was the first to come to the aid of the victims of the super typhoon. Many of the survivors we talked with admitted that the sight of the US troops was enough to give them hope and reassurance of being rescued, seeing the efficient manner of the soldiers in the midst of the chaos and confusion brought by the devastation.
Ambassador Goldberg also gave updates on the relief efforts provided by his country for victims of the typhoon, with the total assistance now at over $90 million and the United States Agency for International Development or USAID acting as the lead group.
As far as Filipinos are concerned: The United States is on a roll. Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz