"As the daughter of a veteran and with many relatives who fought in World War II, I found it very moving to be here," she told the veterans after the ceremony. "It’s a reminder of the shared sacrifice Americans and Filipinos made standing side by side for freedom. We were friends yesterday, we are friends today, and we will always be friends tomorrow."

Undersecretary Hughes is in the Philippines for a three-day visit to learn about US government programs here. She met with President Arroyo last Wednesday to express President George W. Bush’s congratulations to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its recent successes in the war on terror.

"The Philippine Armed Forces are very brave," said Undersecretary Hughes. "They are on the front lines and they are sacrificing to protect not only the citizens of the Philippines, but also Americans and people around the world who are interested in peace and stability and confronting the international threat of terrorism."

During a day-long visit last Thursday to Jolo with Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Undersecretary Hughes toured a road that connects Maimbung to Jolo that was rehabilitated under a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) regional infrastructure project. This farm-to-market road’s improvement will allow agricultural produce to be transported more cheaply to market, and improve access for local residents to schools and health facilities.

She also visited the Maimbung High School, which is a participant in USAID’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connectivity (CLIC) Project.

Under the CLIC program, the school received 10 computers and Internet connections to help the students access learning materials. Hughes also helped inaugurate a Home Economics Center, co-funded by USAID and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

Hughes also attended a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) in Maimbung. The program offers free health care to area residents and is sponsored by the US and Philippine militaries, in cooperation with local officials.