Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. leaves today on his first trip to Philippines. 

Carvalho plans to meet with Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III at the Malacanang Palace in Manila where he will discuss the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit; Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and current renewable energy efforts in the Philippines; and sustainable agricultural practices, according to a news release.

Carvalho will be traveling with Director of Economic Development George Costa as well as representatives from the Kauai Filipino Community Council and Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce.

In a news release, Carvalho said he looked forward to meeting with Philippine government and community leaders and fostering cultural relations. "It’s also a great opportunity for us to explore economic development opportunities for Kauai," he said. 

During his two-week trip, Carvalho will also take part in the Philippine Travel Agencies Association’s 18th annual Travel Tour Expo, described as the largest gathering of tourism and travel-related organizations and services in the Philippines. 

He will visit Urdaneta City University with Kauai Community College Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James Dire to talk about developing a nursing exchange and other programs. 

During his trip, he also plans to present a donation of medical equipment to a medical center in Quezon City on behalf of the Rotary Club of Poipu and Evslin Family Foundation of Stowe, Vt. for destitute and critically ill children.