U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton praised the hospitality of Davao City residents after paying a courtesy call on Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Lipton described Dabawenyos’ hospitality as “remarkable” in a post on X, saying he saw strong potential for cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.

“WOW DAVAO! 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,” Lipton said.

The visit marked Lipton’s first official trip to Davao City, according to a post on Duterte’s Facebook page.

Sen. Robin Padilla, U.S. Embassy officials and representatives of the Davao City government also attended the courtesy call.

The meeting comes as the United States and the Philippines continue to pursue cooperation on issues of mutual interest.