CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The already robust economy in this Region-10’s frontier and capital city is getting stronger with the implementation of various projects that are being funded by the United States (US) government, local officials reported Tuesday.
 
The implementation of the US-funded projects had materialized after the city government here represented by City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria Steel signed recently a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the realization of the USAID’s Cities Development Initiative (CDI).
 
Local officials said the MoU signing was witnessed by US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, and signaled the coming of more developments to the city – not only in terms of business opportunities but also in other areas like education, health, infrastructure, and environment protection.
 
It was learned that the CDI is a five-year program, which is in line with the thrust of the USAID to provide assistance to local government units (LGUs) in an effort to improve the LGUs economy, and provide more employment opportunities.
 
Local officials expressed their gratitude after this city has been selected as one of the three cities in the country as pilot cities for the project.
 
“This is an honor and big boost to the city to be chosen as pilot area of the said project, and I’m hoping with high confidence that USAID would help improve the strength of our economy and business,” Emano said.
 
It was also learned that under the program, this city will be receiving a package of assistance, which will not only benefit city residents but those from the neighboring areas.