Valenzuela, Ilocos town forge cultural, economic ties

MANILA, Philippines - Valenzuela City and the municipality of Narvacan in Ilocos Sur forged a sisterhood agreement to expedite mutual attainment of socio-cultural, technological and economical development, an official said yesterday.

Ahna Mejia, public information officer of Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, said the “core objective” of establishing the agreement is to promote a favorable partnership and cooperation between the two local government units and their constituents.

“Its four-fold goal includes cultural heritage preservation, technical exchange facilitation, sustainable development, and general welfare for the unquantifiable concerns of the people,” Mejia said.

Gatchalian and Narvacan Mayor Zuriel Zaragosa signed the memorandum of agreement during the town’s celebration of Bagnet Festival last month, Mejia said.

Mejia said Gatchalian admired the municipality’s enthusiasm in promoting its culture, which the mayor hopes to adopt to elevate the standard of tourism in Valenzuela City.

“Mayor Gatchalian views the partnership as a powerful venue to share best practices and to activate intangible assets,” Mejia said.

Mejia said Gatchalian and Zaragosa also vowed “to put a premium” not only on tourism, but also on education and on waste management.