During a recent visit to Iloilo City, Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Maria Christina Theresia Derckx praised the city during a courtesy visit to Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III.

“I have experienced how easy it was to go around, how clean the city, how friendly the people are,” she said.

The envoy also noted, “I am very impressed by the way the city is run.”

She was joined by Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines John T. Holmes, who likewise complimented the city.

“As we drove through the streets of your city, all I could think of was katahum gid (very beautiful),” he said. “I am delighted and pleased to be here.”

Derkcx said the Netherlands would assist the city government with managing flooding problems, while Holmes said he is still looking into ways the Canadian government can extend assistance to the city.

Last April, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim visited Iloilo City Hall, where he was welcomed by Espinosa.

“While traveling to City Hall, I have seen a lot of new construction sites,” the envoy noted. “There is really great development here.”/WDJ