THE sweet green City of Victorias and Nanjo City of Okinawa, Japan re-affirmed their international relations in an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill following Japan’s donation of an ambulance, rescue vehicle and equipment, training and cultural exchange on April 10.
Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca and Nanjo City Mayor Chobin Zukeran with Chochu Awa, executive director Lequio Wings signed a memorandum of understanding for the donation of an ambulance, a rescue vehicle by the Japanese Government to the City of Victorias.
Mayor Zukeran was with Nanjo City Councilman and Vice Chairman Tsuyoshi Tamaki, Koichi Shoji, director of partnership program division of Jica Okinawa, Mr. Shintaro Ichiki, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and several others came to Victorias City for this undertaking.
Mayor Palanca said that their friendly relations started in 2014 and Nanjo City has been helping Victorias in various undertakings such as in modern industrial-tourism, organic farming and agro-eco tourism, among others.
As a way of repaying their goodwill, cooperation and friendship, the City of Victorias constructed an Okinawan-inspired edifice named as Victorias-Nanjo City Friendship Park at Gawahon Eco-Park in Victorias City Thursday.
Mayor Zukeran said, “I am very happy to be back here in Victorias City. I would like to thank Mayor Palanca for his strong leadership and for this chance for us to come back and enjoy the warm reception of the people of Victorias. We are glad that the city has built an edifice that symbolizes our international friendship. The structure is very beautiful and wonderful. Victorias continues to grow as a city in terms of development. This is my second time to come here and I felt so much power for growing up and like Mayor Palanca said that he is trying to build a port for the city and to give more importance to the education of his people. We will be here to continue to support him in whatever way that could lead to the strengthening of our international cooperation and friendship.”