United States of America Vice President Kamala Harris visited the city today, November 22, 2022.
VP Harris arrived aboard Air Force Two at the Puerto Princesa International Airport and immediately headed to Barangay Tagburos for a brief interaction with the fisherfolks of the barangay. City Agriculturist Melissa Macasaet briefed Harris on local government’s interventions as well as the issues of the fishing community.
After the interaction with the fisherfolks, VP Harris proceeded to Puerto Princesa City port to board BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701)– the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship that patrols the West Philippine Sea.
PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr., PCG District Palawan Commander CG Captain Christopher Meniado and BRP Teresa Magbanua’s Skipper-CG Commander Erwin Tolentino welcomed VP Harris during the visit on the ship where she had a briefing in relation to the current maritime operations in Palawan.
In her speech, VP Harris spoke of the importance of partnership for economic opportunities, environmental protection, maintain peace and stability and to uphold international rules and norms in the South China Sea. This she said is the purpose of her trip to Palawan.
The second highest official of the United States is well-apprised of the illegal fishing problems in Palawan waters when she spoke of the challenges of illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. She said that foreign vessels that encroach in its territory deplete fishing stock, harass and intimidate local fishers, pollute the ocean and destroy marine ecosystem.
She said that additional areas of cooperation are to be opened to provide more training, assets, and personnel to counter IUU and enhance its monitoring.
On international rules and norms, the Vice President has this to say, “We must stand up for principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, unimpeded lawful commerce, peaceful resolution of disputes and the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and throughout the Indo-Pacific.”
Also on board BRP Teresa Magbanua to listen to the message of US VP Kamala Harris were officers of the Phil Coast Guard, DOTr, AFP, PNP and select officials of the Puerto Princesa City and Palawan provincial government.
VP Harris was accompanied by his husband Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff who visited the historic Plaza Cuartel where he offered flowers to the memorial of the soldiers who died during World War II. He also briefly interacted with World War II veterans.
