By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat Despite challenges, US Ambassador Sung Y. Kim on Thursday said that the relationship between the Philippines and US has remained “incredibly tight.” “Relationship between our countries remains incredibly tight,” said the US Ambassador in a keynote address at the 2nd IT-BPM Business Resiliency Summit at Marriot Hotel, noting mutual partnership, engagement, and very strong people-to-people ties. Kim also expressed confidence and optimism of the future prospects in both the US and Philippines. Despite challenges, the Ambassador said, “I am quite confident and optimistic about the future prospects of our countries’ relationship.” Kim, who has been posted in the Philippines for just over a year, also noted the collaboration undertaken by the US embassy to ensure business reliance. Foremost, he said, the embassy has extended assistance to Marawi and post Hayan in Tacloban areas to help local enterprises recover more quickly. They have forged cooperation with key cities to strengthen planning for disaster response. “I have learned that when businesses are more prepared and recover more quickly from a disaster, communities also recover more quickly,” he added. The disaster advisory council and joint cybersecurity working groups are two important efforts of the US embassy to help ensure business resiliency. He assured continued collaboration with business and government on cyber security to ensure business resilience.