Danao, Ilocos sign sisterhood agreement

CEBU, Philippines — Danao City Officials and department heads went to Ilocos Norte to support Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano and Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc’s signing of a sisterhood agreement between the Danao City government and the Ilocos Norte provincial government at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium.

Both parties share the common goal of continuing friendship and promoting economic development, tourism, investment and environmental protection, and preservation of their rich culture and heritage, the Danao City government said in a statement.

The said ties are also aimed at propelling education, arts, expert exchange and development programs, computer technology, community organizing, and other areas of local government expertise.

In his speech, Mayor Durano said that the Danao delegation comes on a mission to learn and later apply to Danao City what are Ilocos Norte’s best practices, especially in the field of investment promotions, tourism management, and environmental protection.

He added that the Laoag-Cebu direct flight is a testament to the administration's dedication to economic programs for the people of Ilocos Norte, boosting investment and tourism, and in the process creating jobs for the people.

“This is beyond the sisterhood, this is beyond the friendship, this is beyond the partnership, this certainly feels more like family… Here’s to the continued friendship, the continued partnership and the continued family bond between the City of Danao and the Province of Ilocos Norte,” Governor Manotoc said in his speech before the formal signing of the pact.

On a personal note, Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III expressed his appreciation for the said visit.

“This is a pilgrimage of sorts to the birthplace of the man and his family who inspired my father and contributed so much to the progress of my hometown, Danao City,” said the vice mayor.

The vice mayor said that this is an affirmation that the Duranos and the Marcoses, the Danawanons and the people of Ilocos Norte are brothers from a common nation-building destiny.

Meanwhile, Danao City Councilor and Tourism head Ivy Durano said in a speech that the gesture of ties crystallizes the friendship and long history shared by the province and the city.

“As we bask in your province's splendor, we endeavor to emulate your best practices in tourism, investment, environmental protection, and economic development,” the councilor said.

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos welcomed the Danao City delegates with a banquet and a visit around the province’s beautiful attractions and best tourism players.

The delegation also visited the city government of Batac and the Municipality of Currimao for a benchmarking activity focusing on development projects, tourism, agro-industrial, and investment initiatives.

To recall, last January 29 and February 28 this year, Vice Governor Marcos and Governor Manotoc, respectively, visited Danao City for their benchmarking activity with their key officials. (CEBU NEWS)