Tourism Key Players Pilot Test Tourism Loop

Key players in the tourism industry are test-piloting the Cebu-Bohol-Camiguin-Cagayan de Oro Tourism Loop, all of which benefit from access to the Mactan International Airport in Cebu. The Tourism Loop is part of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan, which includes such partners as USAID and the German development agency, GIZ. Tourism is a high-growth priority under the Partnership For Growth, and through this initiative communities can see significant local economic impact through higher spending and longer length of stay by visitors.

USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele (center, first row) with Bohol government officials and stakeholders led by Bohol Representative Rene L. Relampagos (First District) and Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto during the launch of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan on July 26, 2012.

USAID Launches Cities Development Initiative in Mindanao

As part of its continuing thrust to enable cities to become engines of broad-based and inclusive economic
growth, U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. and USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele launched
the Cities Development Initiative (CDI) in Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao. In attendance
were national and local government officials, the private sector and civil society groups. Cagayan de
Oro is the third city (along with Batangas and Iloilo) selected by USAID for its innovative approach to
programming in support of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth. The CDI will help unlock and
maximize the city’s growth potential through significant collaboration in areas such as higher education,
energy, environment, health systems, and economic growth and investment.

U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. (extreme right) and USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele (2nd from left) launched the Cities Development Initiative in Cagayan de Oro City with government officials led by Mayor Vicente Emano (2nd from right) on June 29. Also present was Department of Trade and Industry Zenaida Maglaya (extreme left).