ILOILO CITY (PNA) – Western Visayas could be one of the most visited places in the country by various foreign dignitaries not only to visit its tourist attractions but also to extend support to several significant programs and projects in trade and agriculture. The region is full of potentials for such economic activities.

Iloilo and Aklan, the latter because of Boracay Island, are the top two destinations of foreign envoys during their visit to the region.

The first to visit Iloilo was South African Ambassador to the Philippines, Pieter Andries Vermeulen and his wife Christina.

During his visit on February 20, Vermeulen said that he looked forward to the development of the agriculture industry not only in terms of trade but also in research once the proposed bilateral agreement on agriculture between his country and the Philippines has been finalized and adopted.

The cooperation was initiated last year and both countries "are fairly close to finding an agreement on the text," according to the South African envoy.

Another area of cooperation between the two countries is on biofuels, particularly where jatropha is concerned. Vermeulen revealed that there are already South African and local companies jointly doing research on biofuels.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney has also been to Iloilo to meet with victims of typhoon "Frank" in Pavia town and several other groups extended assistance by the US government.

In addition, she also joined US Peace Corps Volunteers deployed in Guimaras, Iloilo and Antique who are working in the areas of education, youth development and environmental conservation and protection and helping improve lives of citizens and children through partnership with local institutions. At the same time, the US Ambassador interacted with selected students of the Jaro National High School in Jaro, Iloilo City where one Peace Corps Volunteer was assigned to co-teach the English language.

Several Ilonggo World War II veterans were also given a chance to interact with Kenney when she viewed the photo exhibits of the Liberation of Panay, Guimaras and Romblon, among the places where the fiercest battles against the Japanese Imperial Forces happened 64 years ago. Said photo exhibits were mounted at the SM City, Iloilo.

Also visited by Kenney was Teletech, a United States business process outsourcing (BPO) company employing some 1,600 Ilonggos. Teletech was inaugurated by President Gloria Arroyo in March.

Almost a month after the visit of Ambassador Kenney, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith set foot in Iloilo City and Guimaras for a series of engagements.

Smith led in the turnover of 15 computer units for Jaro National High School (JNHS) which was part of the response received by the Iloilo City government when it called for help in the rehabilitation of schools submerged or destroyed by floodwaters caused by typhoon Frank.

All of the JNHS’s 65 computers were damaged.

The donation by the Australian Government benefits some 3,000 students of the school.

Smith also graced the launching of Phase II of the "Ready" project or the Hazards Mapping and Assessment for Effective Community-Based Disaster Risk Management that "aims to empower the most vulnerable municipalities and cities in the country and enable them to prepare disaster risk management plans."