Fruitful trip

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government’s delegation to Canada headed by Mayor Michael Rama returned home with good news of pledges in support of Rama’s vision for a Singapore-like Cebu City.

The visit generated a friendship agreement, job offers, and sharing of best practices, said Councilor James Cuenco, chairman of the committee on sister city and big brother program at the City Council, and Atty. Collin Russell, the secretary to the mayor.

Rama visited Canada primarily for the enthronement of the image of the Santo Niño at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Agassiz, British Columbia but he also met with local leaders, groups, and the Filipino-Canadian communities there.

In Vancouver, he was able to forge a friendship city agreement.

The Filipino-Canadian community has also pledged to help complete the construction of at least one floor of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC). The group will raise up to P100 million for the project.

Cuenco said they also received a pledge for help for the city’s waste management and flooding problems, as well as transportation program.

As possible job offers in Canada are being explored, another group expressed interest to help the ship-building industry in Cebu by sharing technology, as well as training Cebuano workers.

Partnerships for the upliftment of culture, arts, history, and religion are also in the offing.

Russel said Canada has high regard for Filipino workers.

He said the delegation is thankful to the Santo Niño for the opportunities the trip provided.

“Mabungahon gyud kaayo ang among pag-adto. Una, walay kumo diha sa pag-ambhan sa mga tawo tungod sa usa ka pagtuo nga kusganon kaayo, pagtuo nga naggikan sa sa syudad sa Sugbo, Sr. Santo Nino de Cebu,” Russell said.

A delegation from Canada is set to visit Cebu during the Sinulog celebration in January 2023 to learn more about Cebu City. – JMO (FREEMAN)