US, Gensan renew partnership on urban growth program
GENERAL Santos City – United States Agency for International Development (USAid) Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 27, 2017, making General Santos City the eighth and newest partner in USAid’s Cities Development Initiative.
Through this initiative, USAid works closely with city governments outside Metro Manila to fulfill their potential as engines of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. In General Santos City, USAid and its partners, including the local government and private sector, will work together to develop and implement city action plans to boost economic growth, improve health and education, and strengthen environmental resiliency.
“Today’s signing demonstrates both parties’ commitment and mutual responsibility to pursue inclusive and resilient economic growth in the city and surrounding localities,” said Hardy.
General Santos City has been a longstanding partner of USAID. In the late 1990s, USAid supported an extensive infrastructure program in Mindanao, contributing to the construction of the key economic infrastructures in the city, including the General Santos International Airport, Makar Wharf, and several major roads. “The vibrant relationship between our two governments helped transform this city into a gateway to the Central Mindanao region,” Hardy added.
“Aside from the benefits of receiving assistance on the most urgent needs of the city, we now have a partner who will provide a progressive perspective to help us achieve inclusive and resilient growth for General Santos City,” said Mayor Rivera.
Other USAid CDI partner cities currently include Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga.
Further signaling USAid’s deepening support to the region, Hardy then signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three higher education institutions in General Santos City and South Cotabato to conduct joint research activities for conserving Mindanao’s rich biodiversity.