UNITED States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton expressed strong optimism for expanded cooperation between the US and Davao City, citing Davaoeño hospitality and local development as key drivers for future engagement.
Ambassador Lipton made his first official visit to Davao City on Thursday, Oct. 22, paying a courtesy call on Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte at City Hall.
Joining the diplomatic visit were Senator Robinhood Padilla, representatives from the US Embassy in Manila, and key officials of the Davao City Local Government.
In a Facebook post by the US Embassy following the engagement, Lipton praised the warm reception he received from the local community, highlighting the city’s potential for bilateral collaboration.
“WOW DAVAO! If you have not experienced Dabawenyo hospitality, let me tell you, it is REMARKABLE,” Ambassador Lipton said. “With people like this, it is easy to see nothing but POTENTIAL for what we can achieve together.”
The courtesy call marks Ambassador Lipton’s inaugural visit to Mindanao since assuming his diplomatic post, signaling continued engagement between the US government and local government units across the region.