Hi and welcome to my blog. As the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, I have the chance to participate in extraordinary events; to meet exceptional people who make a difference in our world; and to experience warm hospitality all over the Philippines. I am eager to share those experiences with you in my own words and I also hope to hear from you about your experiences and ideas.
On February 10 we formally signed our assistance ($73 million over 6 years; $15 million for this year alone — all in grants through USAID) with the Philippines for clean energy and environmental protection. This is a particular passion of mine. Even as a novice diver, I have seen the exceptional sea treasures the Philippines possesses. We have worked with fisherman to teach them to fish sustainably. I have visited remote villages where our work together has installed solar panels (provided in partnership with private companies) to provide clean electricity. We can make economic progress and protect our planet at the same time.
Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney is a career United States diplomat who has served since 2006 as the first female U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines.
Comments (79)
Julius Caezar Dela Rosa of Makati City
April 11, 2009 at 03:26 EDT
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Hi, Ambassador Kristie Kenney, How are you? im so impress in your energy level! you are so fantastic! Im a Registered nurse and currently in a nutritional company here in Makati, i am very sad on what happening on the health of the Filipino people, they eat more junk and less exercise, more and more people are now in medication in cancer, heart problem, and diabetes, its so alarming! Ma’am can we have a program that increase awareness of the people in healthy living and healthy lifestyle! i am very glad to participate. Thank you so much.
CESAR VENEGAS /USNAVY RETIRED of SAN ANTONIO , TEXAS
April 11, 2009 at 03:27 EDT
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Dear Ma’m Ambassador,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hardwork, dedication and sacrifices in pursue of the better philippines.
It is an honor and privilege to have you there in our country. Thank you very much Ma’m …MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..
More power and success to you,
Sincerely,
Cesar Venegas
Ernie Cledera of Naga City , Camarines Sur, Philippines
April 11, 2009 at 03:27 EDT
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Madam Ambassador:
you’re great! you spend time efforts but most, your loving heart for us all…may god bless you always togetherwith your family and make you safe and happy…tnx for this great opportunity…
Alex P. Tan
April 20, 2009 at 21:04 EDT
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Hi Ambassador Kristie Kenney,
We are thankful that we have a kind hearted US Ambassador to the Philippines in your person. Filipinos will never forget you in extending your assistance especially to our less fortunate brothers and sisters all over the Philippines. We are happy that the US government brought you us here. You mean so much in every heart of Filipinos.
I salute you and I have my full respect to you Ambassador Kenny. Keep up the good deeds for the welfare of the Filipino people.
I wish someday I’ll be able to visit USA in the future.
MABUHAY Ambassador Kenny!!! We love and care for you.
Regards,
Alex P. Tan
Ruby-Jean Pabatang
May 4, 2009 at 21:58 EDT
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Hello Madam Ambassador,
I just hear your name over radio and saw you on TV..especially when you visited one of the noontime show here in the Philippines…its was so great of you and also to have a passion and compassionate heart for the Filipino people especially the children…I hope Maam one day you can come and see us here in our remote barrio and see our lives here and maybe at least be an inspiration to our children..I hope that we will blessed and can avail a part of your programs and projects especially our kids here hope they will have a good education and I as a mother wishes that we will have our livelihood projects for us to improve ourselves and be agreat help for our society….thank you so much Madam and may God continue bless your heart richly
Ruby-Jean Pabatang of New Bulatukan,Makilala,Cotabato
May 4, 2009 at 22:06 EDT
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Hello again Maam,
You are my inspiration Maam…and in spite of my instability financially I still have the courage to be an inspiration to the children…I always tell my son how brave and strong you are with a big heart to the Filipino children…
In His Name,
Ruby-Jean Pabatang
Travis Shreeve
May 15, 2009 at 22:28 EDT
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Kristie,
I am an admirer of yours. I have lived in the United States my whole life. I am not a Filipino, but I did spend some time in the Philippines.
I am impressed with your work in the Philippines and your ability to work with the people and appreciate the good that the great nation of the Philippines has to offer.
rosita q. cabuga / langihan road butuan city
May 26, 2009 at 22:35 EDT
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Hello madam ,
Thank you, for a kind heart to the pilipino people . God bless Madam ambassador. We love u !!!
rose
jo mendoza
May 31, 2009 at 10:39 EDT
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dear madam;
thank you very much for your being kind to our country, you looks very easy to please and helps with heart. I adore you as i always saw you on television bein so down to earth and happy to work and be with… i salute you and your doings ma’am! hoping to hear more achievements from you and allow me to give you a salute.
Thank you very much
jo
I. Pantaran Pagadian City
Location: Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
June 14, 2009 at 20:45 EDT
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Madam Kristie,
I was searching the net re: the Fulbright program and Harvard Law School’s LL.M. program when I came across with your blog after clicking on the U.S. Embassy. I can’t help but give 5 stars rate on you and post this comment.
Indeed, your display of good heart and immense concern to the melancholic plight of my countymen, especially the destitutes, must have overwhelmingly touched the heart of every Filipino who knows about your outstanding accomplishments in our land. Such an honest desire of yours to discharge official duties must be intertwined with a deep melodic tune of an authentic love and a real passion to help out and be of assistance for the common good. I too tremendously felt that love you showered and I had found a very high esteem for you. Aside from being so lovable a luminary, you are such a great leader, if not an extraordinary one, so impressing. “Two-thumbs Up” from me, madame. Being the kindest Ambassador the Philippines has ever have, perhaps, I am looking forward to seeing you as one of the few finest leaders in America. I wish you more power and best of health.
Thank you.
I.P.
Onofre (Bimbo) M. Poonin
June 20, 2009 at 23:45 EDT
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God bless Madam Ambassador. God bless America. God bless the Philippines!
Gerald Stone, IV
Location: Angeles
June 24, 2009 at 08:51 EDT
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Hello Ambassador Kinney. Hope all is well. 1. You are a fantastic representative of the US here in the Philippines.
2. Any special events at the embassy for the 4th of July? It’s been a long time since I’ve had a good old fashion grilled American hot dog
Sherman T. Nazaire
Location: Cavite
June 27, 2009 at 11:28 EDT
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Greetings!
Imie
July 7, 2009 at 06:05 EDT
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Today, I saw you on TV again. Donating Computers at the Western Mindanao State University.
You are an incredible woman ! Thank you thank you for coming to Mindanao.
PETER SHEARER
Location: Long Beach, California USA
July 7, 2009 at 09:07 EDT
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Dear Madam Ambassador,
My recent visit to Visaya and Mindanao is very memorable. You being appointed as an Ambassador to the Philippines and upon visiting your webpage blog truly demonstrate a symbol of a great leadership.
Rspectfully,
Peter Shearer
Imie
July 10, 2009 at 22:28 EDT
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I agree
Russ Squire
Location: Red Lodge, Montana
July 15, 2009 at 09:57 EDT
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Hi, Ambassador Kenney. I am so glad to see that someone like you is in charge of our efforts in the Philippines.
As a U.S. business man I employ Filipinos that work on technical aspects of search engine optimization and webmaster tasks because they are such hard workers, educated, speak English and cost a small fraction of U.S. workers.
I run a small company that sells heart rate monitors all over the world and my association with the Filipino people, even though just through chat, has been a sheer delight.
I hope I can come there someday and see the beauty of whcih you speak.
Ted Padova
Location: Davao City
July 18, 2009 at 04:57 EDT
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Madam Ambassador,
What a wonderful treat you extended to the Mindanao Bloggers on your recent visit to Mindanao.
I am an American living in Davao for over two years and have worked directly with many of the very talented hi-tech people in this area. I find so many brilliant and capable youth working with much enthusiasm here to develop this region technologically. The generosity and dedication for common welfare of all citizens is no better exemplified than the group you met with.
Mindanao Bloggers is more than a group. It’s a spirit of unselfish aide and assistance to individuals who wish to communicate expression in a peaceful manner with strong advocacy for their home of Mindanao.
It is my understanding the group is inviting you to the Mindanao Blogger’s Summit (MBS3) in Cagayan de Oro in October and I sincerely hope you can return and be once again greeted by Mindanao’s best. The young people with whom you visited felt a deep appreciation for your time and interests.
-ted padova
Author: Adobe Acrobat PDF Bible
Edith Ruiz-Alford
Location: Quezon City
August 4, 2009 at 20:27 EDT
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Dear Madam Ambassador Kenny,
I am working at the House of Representatives in Batasan Hills, QC and I saw you personally at the time you arrived at the HOR Lobby for the July 27th SONA. But was sad for not able to shake your hand at that time because I was up in the mezzanine with so many viewers.
All I can say is that you did your best not only in helping the less fortunate Filipino people but also for the good of our countrymen and for the educational supplies you hand in out there for the kids specially in the remote areas.
I am an avid fan of yours and been reading your articles and the good deeds you offered in this country. I am married to an American and have been eager to visit your country soon.
Hoping and wishing that you will continue the good work as one of the best Representative of your country here.
More Power Madam Ambassador Kenny!
Respectfully yours,
Edith Ruiz-Alford
Tom Florek
Location: USA-Illinois
August 15, 2009 at 13:35 EDT
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Ambassador Kenny, I am a resident of Illinois and am friends with a Baguio resident, Nars Padilla, whom I have known for about 13 years. We became friends when he visited his daughter in Illinois. As you know Nars as well as I he just could not just stand by and not be involved. He became a member of the Boy Scouts of America and participated in all of our Troop and Council activities, My wife and I visited Nars and his family in Baguio in March of 2004. It was a wonderful experience. Until today we communicate and he is still a member of the BSA and The Order of the Arrow both of which he is very proud of. He has sent me numerous reports of his activities in Baguio and I also read of them on both the Baguio web page as well as that of the Sun Star. The next time you see him please give him a little extra surprise by mentioning his affiliation with the BSA. Thank You
HMC Perry P. Camagong, USN (ret.)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
August 24, 2009 at 07:25 EDT
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Dear Madam Ambassador:
I am a frequent visitor of the U.S. Embassy Manila website, but this is the first time that I came across your blog. This is a great addition to the website where you can find out what an ordinary U.S. citizen thinks of your performance in the Philippines.
Allow me to introduce myself. I immigrated to Seattle, WA when I was 21 y/o (1975), after my graduation from F.E.U. I originally came from Imus, Cavite where I still have ties with relatives and friends. Like you, I’m a public servant with 28+ years of working for the CDC as a Public Health Advisor. I retired in the U.S. Naval Reserve with 30 years of service. I’m not suprised that the crew of USS George Washington is 22% Filipino American. I’m proud of them too for their services. Thanks, shipmates.
I really admire what you have been doing in the Philippines, and it looks like you’re having fun doing it. I wish I’m with you serving the Filipino people, but instead I’m here serving the American people and loving it too. America is still the land of opportunity for me and my whole family.
You’re an inspiration for me as a Federal civil service employee. Maraming salamat po to you and to all U.S. Embassy staff for all your services.
Very respectfully,
Perry Camagong
Kristie Kenney
September 3, 2009 at 23:22 EDT
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Hi Perry:
Now it is my turn to thank you for your service to America. One of the great strengths of the US-Philippine relationship is the bridge built between our peoples. You are a perfect example of that.
Thank you for the work you do for both America and the Philippines!
Best wishes to you and to your family, Kristie
bennie
Location: http://www.make-solar-panels.org/
September 2, 2009 at 07:40 EDT
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HI, in the present world approximately we are using 500 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) of electricity per day. And we are spending 30% of our income towards our monthly electricity bill. According to my view every individual family can generate power by building our own solar panels. Yes, we can build our cool new solar panel at affordable cost, by following the simple and very effective book as well as video guidance of ‘How to make a solar panel’ available at http://www.make-solar-panels.org/. In this link we can analyze some brawny information and cool projects to build the solar panels. Let us use the solar power and make the world green and cool.
Bill Bartmann
Location: Portugal
September 3, 2009 at 10:19 EDT
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Great site…keep up the good work.
fcsalapantan
Location: New York, NY
October 6, 2009 at 10:57 EDT
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To Ambassador Kenney,
Indeed, you are the most dedicated, dynamic and lovable U.S ambassador the Philippines ever had, and we thank God for having you.
God given us Filipinos beautiful and abundant natural resources, unfortunately, poverty, lack of proper governance and environmental awareness made these treasure neglected and abused, most of the time.
Right now, we urgently need clean energy and environmental protection programs, and I believe that clean and green livelihood assistance, local government support as well as intensive information campaign on the environment would really be a great help to succeed.
We hope and pray for more success on your programs. Thank you and God bless!
Rionel George Querubin
Location: Vancouver, Canada
November 10, 2009 at 05:21 EST
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Madam Ambassador,
I am a perfectly passive observer of politics, news or current events but I can’t ignore how admirably you have performed your role as an ambassador to my country. I felt the need for me to express this sentiment; no other american ambassador has been closer to the hearts of the Filipinos.
America has always been thought of as an ally of the Philippines, at least by the Filipinos, but that friendship did not seem to have been felt by the people until your presence.
God Bless you, Ms. Kenney.
Danilo Palautog
Location: Pasay City
November 20, 2009 at 07:40 EST
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Moving on, and moving up. You made a difference here madame ambassador, it will be a tough act to follow for Amb. Harry Thomas Jr.
Congratulations and job well done.
Adrian C. Soriano
Location: Houston, Texas & Apalit, Pampanga
November 20, 2009 at 10:38 EST
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Dear Hon. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney:
I saw @ TV Patrol World that you’re soon going to be replace by a friend of yours in your post as US Ambassador to the Philippines. Its been an honor, and privileged to have you as our US Ambassador to the Philippines. I think you’re the most visible, most friendly, and most helpful ambassador ever to the Filipino people. I know, we love you as our own. You’ve supported Filipino people, and their interests including Manny Pacquiao fights, Wowowee, Game KNB, and helping out with victims of disasters, and to us you’re a living Hero to the Filipino people. You’ll rank among the highest people we love & your memories will live with us forever.
Good Luck to you & family. God Bless!
Adrian C. Soriano
Houston, Texas
Sulipan, Apalit, Pampanga
Nelissa Jamora
Location: Philippines
November 22, 2009 at 03:25 EST
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Hi Ambassador Kristie Kenney,
I’m a Fulbright scholar and in tune with the embassy’s activities through PAEF, and I must say that you are the coolest!!! I have to agree with other people here that you’re the most visible, most friendly, and most helpful ambassador ever. I’m one of your proud avid fans. I have to write this after hearing about the new ambassador.
Keep up the good work.
Nelissa Jamora
Fulbright scholar 2004-06 (FPASP)
Michigan State University