Cablegate: Ambassador Opens American Corner in Cebu

VZCZCXRO9846
OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #2594 3520708
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 180708Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6087
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS MANILA 002594

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL KPAO EAID RP
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR OPENS AMERICAN CORNER IN CEBU

1. SUMMARY: On December 14, the Ambassador opened a new American
Corner at the University of San Carlos in Cebu. This brings the
number of American Corners in the Philippines to 14. She was joined
by the President of San Carlos, the Library Director, Chief of
Protocol, American Corner librarian, members of the media, and over
100 students and professors. The event was covered by the two
nationwide TV channels and local radio and print media. END
SUMMARY.

BACKGROUND: CEBU CITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS
--------------------------------------------- ---------

2. Cebu City, the capital city of Cebu province, is the largest city
in the Central Visayas region and the second most populous city in
the Philippines. The island of Cebu has 3 million inhabitants with
about 2 million living in Metro Cebu. The University of San Carlos
is one of the top universities outside Manila. It has four campuses
housing all levels of educational programs, including eight colleges
and 27 departments.

AMERICAN CORNER OPENING
-----------------------

3. The Ambassador was well received by an enthusiastic crowd of
students, librarians, the Library Director, the Chief of Protocol,
and the President of the University of San Carlos Father Dionisio M.
Miranda for the opening of the 14th American Corner in the
Philippines. The press -- radio, print and TV -- were also on hand
to document this event. The Ambassador and the University President
made opening remarks before the ceremonial ribbon cutting and the
presentation of the new facility. The facility was stocked with a
variety of American books, periodicals, and videos. Visitors also
have access to resources such as the Thomas Jefferson archives that
were provided by the Embassy's Cultural Affairs section. After the
opening, the Ambassador posed for photos with the students and staff
before completing several interviews with the press.

KENNEY

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