The importance of sister city and municipality

Sister city, twinning, twin towns, partnership town, and friendship town–with its many terms, the meaning and concept do not change in these modern days after the World War II. During the Second World War, there was a need for world peace and mutual understanding through educational, economic growth, cultural, spiritual beliefs and etc… This was also the time when communication and transportation is limited and everyone is cautious of each other; meaning there is a trust issue. Starting the year 1950s, it is where the Partnership Town system was given a chance as the main purpose of having a common culture, tradition, practices, education and freedom of choice.

But as the years go by, the need of social-education and economic impact of having sister cities and municipalities gives hope for every Filipino to land a good job with foreign investors and for aspiring Filipino to study abroad and to be hired as permanent overseas worker. City Coun. Elmer Datuin said that “We shall not also look unto the economic growth of Baguio and the whole Philippines and the educational growth by having an exchange student but also when in terms of calamity; they will be the number one to help us as we also help them when they are on crisis.” Now when it comes to tourism, Datuin added that this foreign and local sister cities and municipal sister cities by visitation can both share ideas for the development of each other and same goes to every concept like addressing our waste management.

Now how do we sustain this partnership with them? Is it political will? Well to give the answer, it can be a contributing factor but it is a big No! First thing first, what can you offer? Importing and exporting quality products and a good attitude is what it only needs for a long term friendship with them in order also to be globally competitive. By having a sister city, it is like having a sibling, an extended family, a best friend in which they help and protect one another.

Baguio City has 18 local sister partnerships and 15 international sister partnerships. Meanwhile, the 68th Foundation Day of La Trinidad this June 14, 2018 (Thursday) “La Trinidad towards greater heights!” the Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso said that “La Trinidad can stand independently because pwede na niyang tapatan ang Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) nito because of its collection on TAX.” However, because of various products and talents that this municipality can offer they have just garnered an additional partnership with Sto. Thomas, Batangas. Their guest speaker Dr. Ryan Guinaran said that “If we want change, we must cooperate with one another helping hand in hand,” as the Bible say in Matt. 7:2 “for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you.” This is yours truly Tita Ara Katter of 98.7 ZRadio.

Amianan Balita Ngayon