Headline

US Ambassador Lee Lipton praises Davao hospitality during visit with Mayor Baste Duterte

Published

1 hour ago

October 23, 2026

Abi Sarabia M.

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte | Facebook

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton expressed appreciation for the warm reception he received in Davao City after meeting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on October 22, during his first official visit to the city.

The ambassador paid a courtesy call on Duterte at Davao City Hall as part of his diplomatic engagements with local government leaders. The meeting provided an opportunity to establish direct communication and explore potential areas of cooperation between American representatives and Davao City officials.

Officials from the US Embassy and Davao City Government attended the meeting, along with Senator Robin Padilla. The visit also brought attention to possible economic and humanitarian initiatives in Mindanao, although no specific agreements or projects were announced.

Lipton praised the hospitality of Davao residents and expressed optimism about the potential for future cooperation.

“If you have not experienced Dabawenyo hospitality, let me tell you, it is REMARKABLE. With people like this, it is easy to see nothing but POTENTIAL for what we can achieve together,” the ambassador said.

The American diplomat met Duterte at Davao City Hall, where officials from the US Embassy and the city government joined the gathering. Senator Robin Padilla was also present.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Lipton to engage directly with Davao City’s leadership as he continues his diplomatic engagements across the Philippines.

While the ambassador welcomed opportunities for cooperation, no specific agreements, investment commitments or joint projects were announced following the visit.

Lipton assumed his diplomatic post in June 2026 after presenting his credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang.

He has since participated in engagements aimed at strengthening relations between Washington and Manila, particularly in economic development, security and regional cooperation.

In July, Lipton joined US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in a meeting with Marcos, where the officials discussed economic ties, digital trade and regional cooperation, as confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office.

The Philippines and the United States are also marking 80 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2026.

Their partnership covers defence, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, with both governments continuing to explore opportunities for closer cooperation.

For Davao City, the visit adds to its engagements with foreign diplomatic representatives and provides another opportunity to maintain international connections.

Lipton’s positive remarks about Dabawenyo hospitality also highlighted the reception extended by the local community, alongside his interest in what the two sides could accomplish together.