Cebu strengthens ties with Mongolia, Japan

GANGWON PROVINCE, Republic of Korea — The provinces of Cebu and Tottori Prefecture in Japan have agreed on the possibility of an open flight that will further promote bilateral tourism by reducing flying hours.

On the other hand, Tuv province in Mongolia also proposed to enter into mutual agreement relations with Cebu on exchange of programs, which both could benefit from not only in tourism but also in agriculture, livestock and information technology.

The bilateral sessions between Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Tuv Governor Tsedevorj Enkhbat and Tottori Governor Shinji Hiral, have resulted in the strengthening of cultural and economic ties between the three regions as part of the 9th East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF) in Gangwon, South Korea. The bilateral conference was conducted late Wednesday afternoon.

Garcia suggested to Hiral that it is best to visit Cebu in August in time for the One Cebu exhibit and the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo – the festivals of festival of the towns and cities.

Garcia, a member of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), assured that she can help facilitate the opening of a chartered flight from Tottori.

Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the committee on tourism, was already designated by Garcia to make arrangements and exchange date on the requirements for opening of chartered flights.

The Cebu governor is keen on the possibility of forging sisterhood ties with Tottori.

In response, Hiral welcomed the proposal for a possible chartered flight to their province but said it should be a “vise-versa” in consideration to the expenses as well as the passengers.

Separately, Enkhbat and Garcia will soon be signing a memorandum of understanding in preparation for the signing of a memorandum of agreement on the possible linkages between the two provinces.

Enkhbat, who arranged a meeting with Garcia, said that he considers Cebu as one of the leading provinces as member of the EATOF on production of fruits, livestock and agriculture.

He said he will be sending specialists coming from their province on the field of livestock. And since Cebu is one of the major information technology hubs in the country, Enkhbat is also interested to send off his staff and personnel to Cebu for sharing of knowledge on IT development.

The IT market in Cebu boosts its image as the country’s information and communication technology hub.

Garcia committed to enter into an agreement with Tuv considering that they have been together for ten years since the birth of EATOF in 2000.

 “Since we have been together in EATOF for 10 years, I think it is the best thing to happen between Tuv and Cebu Province shall enter into this agreement,” Garcia told the Enkhbat, adding she looks forward to working with her fellow colleague in EATOF.

The three-day forum EATOF wrapped up Wednesday night as Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-sun bid farewell to the members of the EATOF, which he founded in 2000.

“Although I’m the founder of EATOF but maybe it’s the time for me to say goodbye,” Jin-sun told the governors.

Garcia said the success of EATOF is a testament of the great leadership of Kim who has a vision to foster cooperation among East Asian regions.

Gangwon and Cebu Province are sister provinces.

Garcia assured Kim that even if he is no longer around in the EATOF, the Cebu province is committed to support the organization.

After the Gangwon Province, Quang Ninh province in Vietnam will host the next year’s EATOF. Cebu will be hosting the event in 2011.

Along with Garcia’s delegates in EATOF were Provincial Board Members Wenceslao Gakit and Agnes Magpale, Enrison Benedicto, the vice-chairperson of One Cebu Expo; Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Eric Mendoza and Stanley Go, board of director of MCCI; Ronald Conopio, the provincial protocol officer; Capitol consultant on television affairs Minerva Gerodias and Grace Paulino, executive staff of Magpale. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (FREEMAN NEWS)