The Philippines is one of the world’s 17 mega biodiverse countries, which together contain two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and up to 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. Billions of people around the world rely on forests, wildlife, and fisheries for their livelihoods. When we lose wildlife, we lose essential tools in our mutual goals to drive down poverty. This is why the U.S. government recognizes the essential role of biodiversity conservation in achieving our goal to help build prosperous, stable and equitable societies.

Since 2014, Tagbilaran City has been one of USAID’s partner cities of under the Cities Development Initiative. Through this partnership, USAID provides a range of technical assistance in economic growth, health, energy, environment, governance and education to help them realize their full potential as engines of inclusive and resilient growth for their respective regions.

At USAID, we believe that education serves as a driver for development and poverty reduction. Education is transformational for individuals and societies. It can also create pathways to better health, economic growth, a sustainable environment, and peaceful, democratic societies.

It is because we believe so strongly in the importance of education that the U.S. government works closely with the Philippine government to expand access to inclusive, quality education for all – especially the most marginalized and vulnerable. Experience has shown that education not only raises individual incomes but can also advance inclusive economic growth for the country.

The challenges ahead may appear daunting, but are definitely not insurmountable. The U.S. government remains a committed partner of the Philippine government and the private sector in achieving inclusive economic prosperity in Marawi City and the entire province of Lanao del Sur. Thank you in advance for your close partnership as we together pursue a more stable and prosperous Philippines.