Cebu, Antique ink sisterhood pact

Cebu - The province of Cebu has entered into a sisterhood agreement with the province of Antique, an endeavor envisioned to strengthen relations between the two local government units.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Antique Governor Salvacion Perez signed the Memorandum of Agreement the other night at the Cebu International Convention Center shortly before the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and the grand opening of the “Tabo sa Pasko” Christmas Bazaar at the CICC.

Along the sisterhood agreement is the creation of what will be called the Cebu-Antique Tourism Coordinating Committee, which would enable the two provinces to share resources and manpower to boost tourism of the two LGUs.

Present during the MOA signing were Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Sr., Antique Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao and the members of the two provincial boards.

In her speech, Perez said the sisterhood agreement is very significant to Antique, considering that Cebu has since been helping Antique, especially during the onslaught of typhoon “Frank”.

“I felt like crying while signing the MOA because you have honored us today…the P2 million that you gave us fixed school rooms, bridges and roads that was damaged and helped us rescue stranded boats,” Perez said in between tears.

Perez said Antique will replicate Garcia’s programs such as the program for the inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, the “Sinanduloy alang sa kahimsog, Sinanduloy alang sa kabusog” program, and the “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbu” cultural heritage trails.

Perez also gave Garcia a framed collection of different gems from Antique. In turn, gave Perez a commemorative plaque.

After the MOA signing, the officials of the two LGUs proceeded to the CICC parking lot for the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. There, performers from the Karansa Festival of Danao City, Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City, Banig Festival of Badian town, Mantawi Festival of Mandaue City and Palawod Festival of Bantayan town, the champion in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2008, entertained the spectators.

Fireworks were also released to the sky after the tree was formally lighted.

The ongoing Christmas bazaar, on the other hand, features 80 exhibitors from different municipalities and cities of Cebu. On display are various foods and delicacies, metal jewelry and fashion accessories, handicrafts and shell crafts, house decors and furniture, ornamental plants, garments and footwear and even fruits and vegetables. — Darlanne R. Sino Cruz, CIT Mass Comm Intern/JMO (THE FREEMAN)