Hearts and minds

Reported here, a "hearts and minds" project that shows someone is on the ball:

Kenney, who assumed her post only last month, was accompanied by Jon Linborg, director for the Philippines of the United States Agency for International Development, which funded the two bridge projects through the Growth with Equity in Mindanao and the Mindanao Economic Development Council.

GEM is a five-year initiative that began in September 2002. The project seeks to increase economic productivity that would contribute to peace in Mindanao.

Limborg said the Usaid would provide more grants for Mindanao once a peace agreement is signed between the government and the MILF.

Kenney said a US hospital ship is arriving in May to conduct free medical mission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “It would provide free medical services and we hope to help more Filipinos in this humanitarian mission,” she said.

Thousands of mostly poor Filipinos are expected to benefit from the mission of the Mercy Hospital Ship that will sail to the southern Philippines and provide free medical aid from May 20 to June 18. The ship shall visit Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

Mayor Lobregat gave Kenney a small replica of a traditional Muslim boat called vinta. “This is a simple token of our appreciation to thank the United States for all these humanitarian assistance and projects that will benefit our people,” Lobregat said.