CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - - The United States of America Ambassador to the Philippines recently visited this province as one of the four Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites and boosted the moral of soldiers who are joining the 2023 Balikatan Exercises.

 Ambassador  MaryKay Carlson was welcomed by Gov. Rodolfo Albano III and Vice Gov. Faustino G. Dy III at the capitol for her courtesy call before she visited the US troops at the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela. 

In her visit to Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, in Gamu, Isabela, Carlson was accompanied by Gov. Albano III and Vice Gov. Bojie Dy III and they were welcomed by 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Commander Maj. Gen. Audrey Pasia, US and Filipino army officers and the soldiers as well.

Carlson greeted the US and Philippine soldiers who were at the military camp joining the Balikatan Exercises this year and the US official addressed the soldiers and have a photo opportunity with them.

The other three EDCA sites identified by the government were Cagayan North International Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan and Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana, Cagayanand in Balabac Island in Palawan. (OTB/MGE / PIA Isabela)