By Rodney Jaleco, North America News Bureau
WASHINGTON D.C. – Jose Cuisia Jr. is the new Philippine ambassador to the United States. He is expected to assume his post first quarter of the year, following his confirmation by the Commission on Appointment. Cuisia, a former banker, will succeed Ambassador Willy Gaa, a career diplomat who held the post for five years.
As ambassador to the Nation’s Capital, Cuisia will have concurrent jurisdiction over the US Virgin Islands, Grenada and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr., upon arriving at the nation’s capital, began work in Washington DC and right away summoned Philippine consuls general from all over the United States to get a feel of the challenges ahead. He also laid down President Aquino’s marching orders.
Cuisia was one of President Cory Aquino’s closest advisers who spearheaded financial reforms as governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines. This is his first diplomatic assignment. But it was his business background that made him President Noynoy Aquino’s choice.
“This is one of the main objectives of Pres. Aquino: to create jobs so Filipinos don’t have to go abroad to look for employment. He sees the risks they have to take when they go into countries experiencing conflict so he would like us to work precisely bringing investments in the Philippines,” Cuisia said. “I hope to tap my personal friends in business and political circles to help us achieve our objectives,” he added.
Those friendships built over decades as president and CEO of Philamlife Insurance, chairman of Far East Bank, vice president of the American International Group to name just a few of his past positions, appear formidable.
Cuisia submitted his credentials to the state department. He goes back to Manila over the weekend to wrap up his business and wait for his appointment with President Obama.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of De La Salle University, he earned his Masters Degree in Business Administration at the Wharton school in Pennsylvania.
