A leader from Valenzuela City has reached a new milestone after signing three sisterhood agreements with three municipalities during his visit in Camarines Norte last week.
Valenzuela City Congressman Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian signed memoranda of agreement with the local governments of Jose Panganiban, Vinzons, and Labo towns over the weekend.
This brought the number of sister cities of Valenzuela City to 52 localities, which will receive ideas for best practices in governance.
“Milestone po ito sa amin dahil lumagpas na ho kami ng fifty,” Gatchalian said.
“Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako sa mga mayor at ibang opisyal niyo dahil kailangan po talaga magkaisa ng mga LGU sa pagtaguyod po ng ating mga nasasakupan para mapadali ang ating pag-unlad,” he added.
The former Valenzuela City mayor noted that one of the best practices in Valenzuela City they want to share with other municipalities is the establishment of a high-technology Public Math and Science High Schools in every locality.
A member of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, Gatchalian shared that having local government units provide new computers, world-class facilities and new teaching techniques can boost development in their area in the future.
“Natuklasan namin na ang pagkakaroon ng mga math and science high schools at makabagong kagamitan ay senyales ng magandang edukasyon. Kaya naman isa po ito sa mga itinutulak namin sa bawa’t munisipalidad,” Gatchalian said.
“Gusto naming maibahagi ito sa kababayan namin dahil naniniwala ang lungsod ng Valenzuela na ang kagalingan ng education program sa isang locality ay makakatulong sa buong bansa,” he added.
Gatchalian started making sisterhood ties with other localities since 2008 during his mayoralty years with the help of incumbent Valenzuela City Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian and Alay Buhay party-list Rep. Wesley Gatchalian.
Among these sister localities are Angeles City in Pampanga, Koronadal City in South Cotabato, Sariaya in Quezon, Batangas City in Batangas, and Navotas City in Metro Manila as well as the city of Bucheon in South Korea.
Under the sisterhood agreement, both Valenzuela City and its sister city shall promote and expand an effective and mutual cooperation to develop their community and help their constituents.
Sister localities shall also foster a meaningful technical exchange and cooperation with Valenzuela City for sustainable development, trade and investment, tourism, information technology, human development, and culture and arts.
The sisterhood agreement will last up to 5 years and shall continue until finally renewed or terminated. (Tim Alcantara)
