U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson paid a courtesy call on Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo to reiterate the healthy and vibrant relations between the United States of America and the Philippines, particularly in mutual defense and economic cooperation.
Mayor Remollo underscored the importance of the close ties between the two countries that provide the citizens with more opportunities to live, work, travel, study, and retire in the cities of their choice.
The U.S. remains Dumaguete’s No. 1 source of international tourists, with 6,373 American nationals visiting the City in 2024 alone.
Ambassador Carlson noted the recent visits of U.S. Consul General Brendan Mullarkey, and Consul Kristofor Graf, chief of the American Citizens Services unit, who commended the Mayor’s leadership and partnership with the U.S. Embassy for having “protected vulnerable Americans [here], and reinforced Dumaguete’s reputation as a welcoming home for U.S. citizen retirees and visitors alike.”
The U.S. is also committed to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the transportation sector to boost the country’s economy.
Mayor Remollo and Ambassador Carlson exchanged tokens of friendship marking the courtesy visit.
In 2018, PRA cited the City of Dumaguete as one of the Retirement Areas Deemed as Retiree-friendly (RADAR) in the Philippines, with a score of 97.48 in accordance with the criteria set by international organizations like the UN and the World Health Organization.
In 2014, Forbes magazine recognized Dumaguete as the world’s 5th Best Place to Retire.
The World Travel Index also ranked Dumaguete as the 2025 Safest City to Visit in the Philippines, scoring 81.36 out of a possible 100 points. Davao City ranked 2nd, with 80.73 points.
With US Ambassador Carlson during her courtesy call on the Dumaguete Mayor was US Embassy Manila Control & Protocol Officer Tam Tibaldo, and executive assistant, Heather Powell.
Ambassador Carlson and her party also took time to tour the National Museum of the Philippines-Dumaguete. (City PIO)
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Photo Caption: Dumaguete Mayor Ipe Remollo with US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
