Filtered By: Topstories
News

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney bids farewell to Filipinos


(Updated) After serving as America's first woman ambassador to Manila, Kristie Ann Kenney has bid farewell to Filipinos. Her four-year stay in the Philippines featured its share of controversies in Philippine-US relations, including US troops in Mindanao and a US marine convicted of rape of a Filipina. But most observers agree that after the succession of alpha males who served in the same post, Kenney's feminine touch and outgoing personality helped soften the edges of any wrinkles in the relationship. She even blogs and used her online platform to say goodbye. In her last blog entry as US ambassador to the Philippines, Kenney said it was an "extraordinary honor" to represent her country in one of its oldest allies, even as she asked Filipinos to extend the same hospitality to her successor Harry Thomas Jr.
Outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney receives a plaque from Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Victor Ibrado during the testimonial parade given to her by the military at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday. Kenney, who is set to be replaced later this month, was honored for her efforts in strengthening the bilateral defense ties between the US and the Philippines. James Mananghaya
US President Barack Obama nominated Harry K. Thomas as the first Black American US envoy to Manila. “He is an experienced diplomat who is also a close personal friend of mine. He will be a wonderful United States Ambassador to the Philippines, and I know Filipinos will give him a warm welcome," Kenney said in her blog. But a veteran journalist said that Thomas "has big shoes to fill… he’s following a very popular ambassador." A visible US ambassador Kenney, who has been the most visible US ambassador in recent memory, told GMANews.TV in a recent interview that she will return to Washington at the end of the month to attend to her sick mother. She has been US ambassador in the Philippines since 2006. During her four-year stay, Kenney has shown up at many Filipino events, both formal and unconventional, including TV shows. Her video doing the “Papaya" dance has been a popular viral video on YouTube, an unimaginable form of outreach for her more straitlaced male predecessors. Recently, she was seen by the masa ballroom dancing on national television for the show, “Shall We Dance (TV5)," along with pop icons Vicki Belo and Manny Pacquiao’s mother, Aling Dionisia. “It was pretty fun. I’ve met a lot of graceful people. It’s only here in the Philippines that I get to dance on TV," she told reporters at a recent function in the US Embassy. All this dancing and unusual diplomatic behavior has not gone for nought. Several Filipino journalists who cover the foreign affairs beat were one in saying that Kenney is “the most loved ambassador" in the country. “Offhand, she is the most loved ambassador," said a Filipino correspondent working for a foreign wire agency who asked not to be identified by GMANews.TV. According to him, the ambassador exuded unparalleled charisma. Kenney has also widely traveled around the Philippines, daring to go where few US diplomats ventured before, including conflict-ridden areas in Mindanao. At one time, an officer of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was reprimanded when Kenney was allowed to enter the group’s lair in Jolo without his superior’s permission. “She had a way of disarming people’s defenses," the correspondent added. This was echoed by a local journalist who has been covering the foreign affairs beat for more than a decade. “She’s one of the most memorable ambassadors. She really reached out to people. In Jolo, in Samar… she is truly a popular diplomat," the veteran journalist who asked GMANews.TV for anonymity said. Softened edges of US at war No one, however, was under any illusions about Kenney's style. Like other US diplomats before her, she was an extension of America's "soft power," using an ambassador's prestige, her personality, and US resources to win friends for her country. “I don’t think her intention is just neighborly goodwill," the veteran journalist told GMANews.TV on Wednesday. "It’s part of an overall public relations plan for the US objective." But Kenney came tailor-made for the age. Arriving during the George Bush administration, whose macho bravura alienated many around the world, Kenney gave her government a different, naturally feminine image. She helped soften the edges of a government engaged in two major wars and smaller wars around the world, including Mindanao where US troops were not permitted a combat role but nevertheless were on or near the front lines providing support and intelligence to Philippine soldiers. It was a controversial role, but Kenney may have made it more acceptable to the public with her constant visits to Mindanao. She also appeared with US troops at the height of disasters, including Ondoy and Pepeng, when the US military was often among the first to provide humanitarian assistance. And now with the web-savvy, internationalist Obama administration, Kenney's approach to diplomacy has become a snug fit for a new era. She blogs, has Facebook friends, and dances on Youtube. She has appeared equally comfortable with both the poor and the high and mighty. Avoided tough questions If local journalists have any lament, it is that Kenney often avoided answering tough questions during her stay in the Philippines. During her four-year stay, RP-US relations temporarily soured following the custody battle of convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith and the controversial presence of US soldiers in Mindanao. “I don’t recall her attending a forum to answer these questions," the Filipino correspondent said. “That’s disappointing." "I've snorkeled with whale sharks" On her blog, Kenney expressed admiration for the Filipino hospitality that "has welcomed me into homes across the country from the humblest provincial dwellings to the grandest Manila homes." "I’ve learned from Filipinos to cherish family, no matter how great the distances between family members. I’ve learned from Filipinos to take time to celebrate the big and small moments in life and that in doing so, you create lasting memories," she said. Also on her farewell blog entry, she said that during her stay in the Philippines, she felt "very at home," because the two countries have so much shared history together. "Our fathers and grandfathers shed blood together in World War II to protect our freedom. Millions of Filipinos live and work in the United States, and many Americans call the Philippines home. We are so much more than friends — we are family," she said. She said she was very happy that Filipino World War II veterans received their new benefits from the US government during her time as Ambassador. "And I am proud to have been made an honorary member of the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor although I am well aware that I will never come close to matching their courage and valor. Visiting the site of the Leyte landing, Corregidor, the site of the surrender in Bataan, and spending time at the US residence in Baguio, where the World War II peace in the Philippines was signed, are some of my most cherished memories," she added. Kenney also said she will always remember the rich cultures of Mindanao and the proud traditions of the Ifugao, as well as the smiling face of every child the US' education programs have helped.
Outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Victor Ibrado during the testimonial parade given to her by the military at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday. James Mananghaya
She also said she had become dedicated to helping protect the environment. "I’ve snorkeled with whale sharks, been diving in aquariums, tested jeepney emissions, talked to fishermen about sustainable fishing, seen our Peace Corps volunteers energize communities to create marine protected areas, and watched our USAID team design great programs with Philippine partners to promote clean energy and clean waters." Kenney also said she had witnessed ordinary citizens struggle in conflict areas to provide a decent life for their families. She also witnessed the bravery of the Philippine Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police as they tackle the tough opponents of terrorism, crime, and worked to combat poverty. "In times of natural disasters, our partnership with Filipinos – with the AFP, PNP, LGUs and with NGO groups – helped get relief to those in need whether in Manila, Northern Luzon, Iloilo or Bicol. The resiliency and compassion of Filipinos under the most difficult of circumstances is amazing and inspirational," she said. Kenney likewise said she was pleased to hear the musically talented Filipinos and to share the Filipino passion for sports and to watch great college and professional basketball games. She admired the legendary Filipino hospitality has welcomed me into homes across the country from the humblest provincial dwellings to the grandest Manila homes. "I’ve learned from Filipinos to cherish family, no matter how great the distances between family members. I’ve learned from Filipinos to take time to celebrate the big and small moments in life and that in doing so, you create lasting memories," she said. Kenney also voiced hopes she and Filipinos will cross paths again, and left an Irish blessing: May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. - LBG/RSJ/JV/HGS, with a report from Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV
LOADING CONTENT