Caught in traffic, but US group still loves Cebu

Ambassador David H. Thorne, senior adviser to US Secretary of State, cites Cebu’s dynamic economy. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

DESPITE the traffic congestion, a visiting US diplomat said Cebu seems to be a dynamic tourism, trading and transportation hub.

US Ambassador David H. Thorne, who led a small delegation of American venture capitalists, said they were caught in traffic on the way to Cebu City from the Mactan Cebu International Airport yesterday morning.

“We were caught in traffic. But it’s interesting to see such a big dynamic port. Obviously, this is a big trading and transport hub. And I understand that the beaches here are terrific,” Thorne told reporters.

He said he found it interesting that there are major economic activities going on outside Manila.

“Cebu is fast growing and I’m glad that this community is trying to improve its entrepreneurship  innovation ecosystem. I think it’s great,” Thorne added.

The US delegation went on a 12-day tour called the American Innovation Roadshow in Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines to network and explore opportunities to work with local startups and entrepreneurs.

Cebu was the delegation’s last stop. The group went to Vietnam first, proceeded to Indonesia and visited Manila on Thursday before visiting Cebu.

Thorne, a senior adviser to the US Secretary of State, noted that all three countries have a big youth demographic, which he said is “an important ingredient” for a dynamic innovation startup ecosystem.

He also noted that all three countries are also working to change government policies to boost entrepreneurs and startups.

Thorne also noted that slow Internet connectivity is one of the major challenges faced by the startup community, a fact confirmed by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant regional director Nelia V. F. Navarro in her presentation during the networking lunch with the group.

“It is a problem – connectivity. It is really step one. You got to have that,” Thorne said in a press conference later.

With Thorne were Deborah Magid, director for software strategy of IBM Venture Capital Group, and Manny Ayala, managing director of Endeavor Philippines, a non-profit organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs gain access to networks and capital. Other members of the delegation did not join the trip to Cebu.