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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 003234
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PHUM CASC KPAO RP
SUBJECT: EAP A/S HILL VISITS MILITARY ACADEMY AND U.S.
BUSINESS IN BAGUIO
1. SUMMARY: EAP A/S Hill stressed themes of military
transformation and cooperation -- especially on natural
disasters -- among the U.S., the Philippines, and other ASEAN
countries in speech to the cadets at the Philippine Military
Academy (PMA) in Baguio City on July 30. He participated in
a ribbon cutting for the new American Corner located in the
PMA library. A/S Hill also toured the Moog Control
Corporation, which manufactures parts for the new Boeing 787
Dreamliner; met with Baguio area Peace Corps Volunteers and
American Citizen Wardens; and visited the International
Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) Transmitting Station in Poro Point,
San Fernando. A/S Hill's speech to the cadets in Baguio
received wide, positive coverage. END SUMMARY.
-------------------------------
The Philippine Military Academy
-------------------------------
2. During a July 29-30 visit to the northern Luzon city of
Baguio, EAP Assistant Secretary Christopher Hill visited the
Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he received Arrival
Honors from the cadets and then met with PMA Superintendent
Major General Leopolodo Maligalig and his staff. Their
command briefing stressed PMA's ten year transformation plan
and highlighted its ongoing interest in the cross training
opportunities of its cadets with service academies in the
U.S. MG Maligalig noted his attendance at the 2nd Rimland
Pacific Superintendents Conference at the U.S. Naval Academy
with principal delegates from Singapore, Japan, U.S.,
Indonesia, and Malaysia. A/S Hill applauded the forward
thinking ideas in the PMA presentation and stressed that both
the U.S. and the Philippine militaries are transforming to
meet new threats. He then took a tour of the PMA and
witnessed an impressive silent drill by the cadets on the PMA
parade grounds.
3. In a lunchtime speech to the cadets, A/S Hill underscored
the theme of transformation, saying that "transformation and
change are never easy and never quick8 and stressed the
nature of the Philippine Defense Reform (PDR).
He highlighted the "Battalions of Excellence" program as one
of the quick wins under PDR, given its emphasis on training
battalions as a whole, instead of individuals. He also said
PDR should enable the military to assist with threats such as
human and drug trafficking as well as other international
crimes.
4. A/S Hill emphasized the need for greater cooperation
among ASEAN nations, commenting that , through its
family of institutions, notably the ASEAN Regional Forum,
brings together partner countries and can help bring the
militaries of these countries more closely together as
well.8 He noted that the armies of the these nations should
work together in dealing with natural catastrophes. A/S Hill
called on the cadets to help democracy8 and fully
to embrace the concept of civilian control over the military.
He also urged a commitment to training and professionalism
throughout their careers.
5. A/S Hill answered questions from the media immediately
following the speech. He elaborated on cooperation in
natural disaster response, citing the difficulty in reaching
areas hit by the tsunami last year in Indonesia. Regarding
North Korea, he pointed out that the Agreement8
is still on the table and that North Korea needs to decide
whether or not to join the international community.
6. Along with the Ambassador, A/S Hill participated in a
ribbon cutting for an "American Corner" -- funded by PAS --
at the PMA Library. Our recent donation of USD 13,000 worth
of books, computers, and videos will expose cadets to a wide
range of civilian- and military-oriented information sources
that will contribute to their development as officers in a
more professional Philippine military.
------------------------
Moog Control Corporation
------------------------
7. A/S Hill and the Ambassador visited Moog Control
Corporation, a U.S. company that produces flight control
panels and other motion control devices for commercial
aircraft, including the new Boeing 787. Moog executives
explained how the Baguio facility will increase Moog,s
workforce in the Baguio area from approximately 1,000 workers
to over 1,500 in the next five years. They projected that
sales revenues, currently at $50 million, will reach $100
million by 2011. They said Moog was very pleased with the
quality of the workforce, which are recruited from Baguio's
MANILA 00003234 002 OF 002
seven universities and technical schools, and with the tax
incentives that give Moog Philippines a competitive edge.
--------------------------------------------- ------
Peace Corps Volunteers and American Citizen Warders
--------------------------------------------- ------
8. At a reception on July 29, A/S Hill (a former Peace Corp
volunteer) met Baguio area Peace Corps volunteers and active,
long-standing American Citizen Wardens. The PCVs work in
fields as varied as child development, education programs,
and coastal resource management. The reception underscored
the long-standing and dynamic people-to-people
U.S.-Philippine ties in this northern provincial capital.
--------------------------------------------- ----------
International Broadcasting Bureau) Transmitting Station
--------------------------------------------- ----------
9. A/S Hill visited the International Broadcasting Bureau's
(IBB) Transmitting Station in Poro Point, San Fernando. This
facility, about one hour west of Baguio City, broadcasts
Voice of America to China, Vietnam, and other points in
Southeast Asia across the South China Sea. The site makes
use of sixteen transmitters and its operating budget is
approximately $5 million per year. (IBB also operates a
larger facility at Concepcion, near Tarlac, Central Luzon,
broadcasting to China and Southeast Asia in 11 languages
currently.)
10. A/S Hill's speech to the PMA generated widespread,
positive media coverage with all major dailies giving front
page coverage of the speech. His inauguration of the
American Corner at the PMA also was well and favorably
covered in the press.
11. A/S Hill did not have the opportunity to clear this
cable.
Kenney