CAGAYAN DE ORO – The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Batac have formalized a sister city agreement to enhance cooperation and mutual development.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Batac City Mayor Albert Chua and his delegation were warmly received by Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy on Monday for the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement. This agreement initiates the "Sister Cities Program," aiming to promote understanding and friendship through collaborative efforts in trade, economic development, human resources, culture, and arts.
The memorandum outlines the commitment of both cities to improve mutual understanding and goodwill, with a particular emphasis on technical exchanges and cooperation in various sectors of local governance. The establishment of information exchange mechanisms for activities of shared interest is also part of the agreement.
Mayor Chua, recognizing the potential benefits of the partnership, expressed his intent to adopt best practices from Cagayan de Oro, particularly those related to volunteerism, to enhance governance in Batac City.
Cagayan de Oro, established as a chartered city in 1950, plays a pivotal role as the transportation and commercial center in northern Mindanao. The city's infrastructure, including its international airport and position as the northern terminus of the Trans-Mindanao Sayre Highway, supports its key exports such as rice, corn, and copra.
Batac, often referred to as the "Home of the Great Leaders," is renowned for being the residence of several notable Philippine figures, including former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., Bishop Gregorio Aglipay, and General Artemio Ricarte.