United States Agency for International Development (USAid) Deputy Assistant Administrator for East Asia and the Pacific Sara Borodin visited the Philippines from February 20 to 23 to launch environment and youth empowerment initiatives that reaffirm the United States' enduring commitment to the Philippines' inclusive and resilient growth.

During her visit to Manila, Deputy Assistant Administrator Borodin joined Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) counterparts led by Country Director Kim Eunsub to announce additional waste collection and segregation facilities called 'Eco-Ikot Centers' in Parañaque City and other parts of Metro Manila. This initiative is part of the ongoing five-year, P459-million partnership between Koica, USAid, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to improve solid waste management, reduce landfill dependency, and mitigate pollution in Manila Bay and its surrounding areas.