GCIV hosted seven government officials from the Philippines August 13-17. These visitors were invited to the United States under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. While in Atlanta the group met with key professional counterparts and experienced American culture.

The visitors came from a variety of government backgrounds including the Senate, House of Representatives, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, and the Philippine Human Rights Center. The group’s program was entitled, “U.S. Foreign Policy Challenges.”

During their three week program in the United States, the visitors wished to gain a greater understanding of U.S. foreign

policy relating specifically to counterterrorism and human rights. They would also examine methods and strategies to combat terrorism, including transportation security but also media and information campaigns. The Filipino visitors desired to understand laws, principles, and practices that promote the respect for human rights generally and in the prosecution of terrorists.

The group's trip to Atlanta began by meeting with Mr. Kent Wilson from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, where they discussed methods in combating not only terrorism, but also drug trafficking, money laundering and other financial crimes. Later that day, the visitors met with Mr. Ralph Reichert, Mr. Don Venn and Mr. Mike Satterfield from the Georgia Office of Homeland Security and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. They discussed anti- and counter-terrorism activities in the state of Georgia, and learned about Georgia’s Emergency Operations Plan. They were also given a tour of the State’s Communications Center. The next day, our Filipino guests met with Mr. Randy Travis from WAGA FOX 5 TV’s

the group attended a GCIV International Dining Experience at the Canton House Restaurant in Chamblee. Mr. Ray Donato, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Atlanta, GCIV members, and members of the Atlanta Filipino community welcomed the group. The Federation of Philippine American Organizations in Georgia and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia graciously sponsored the visitors' meals. Approximately 60 attended the dinner.

During their last day in Atlanta, our guests from the Philippines met with Mr. Manuel De Barros, Protocol Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They discussed air transportation security, saw newly purchased security equipment, and toured the newly designed baggage check stations. After the airport, the group went to the National Center for Human Rights Education, where they met with Ms. Deanna West to discuss domestic human rights violations and the center’s goal to increase human rights understanding and education. After stopping for lunch at the Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the visitors headed to Emory University to talk with Dr. David Davis of the Institute of Human Rights. While there, he discussed human rights violations, as well as community awareness programs, human rights courses offered at Emory University, and his current research involving human rights.

GCIV was honored to have these seven visitors come to Atlanta as part of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program. Their experiences here in Atlanta as well as Washington, DC, New York City, Dallas, and Honolulu gave them a first-hand view of the diversity of the United States and meet with their professional counterparts. The visitors were impressed by the sincerity and friendliness of people in Atlanta. Mr. Angelito Nayan of the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs addressed the group at the International Dining Experience, saying "After our trip here, Georgia will always be on our minds."