In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., dedicated a new annex facility in Manila today.

The dedication of this annex, designed and built by Makati Development Corporation of the Philippines, is the culmination of a six-year, two-phase project totaling $166 million, which included the construction of three annex facilities, a utility building, access control structures, and a parking garage built on the existing U.S. Embassy complex.

The new annex incorporates numerous sustainable features, most notably solar reflective roofing, the use of indigenous trees and shrubs for landscaping, and on-site treatment of wastewater that is reused for irrigation. Combined, these features conserve resources and reduce operating costs. The facility has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^®) certification.

Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 97 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 37 projects in design or under construction.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.

For more information, please visit 2009-2017.state.gov/obo, or contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov or (703) 875-4131.