THE Davao City International Relations Board (IRB) approved four new sister cities to further advance trading relations, economic growth, and other bilateral exchanges.
In a press release from the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), the IRB approved the proposed sister city partnership with Mati City in Davao Oriental, Sennan City in Osaka, Japan; Herzliya in Israel and Pohang City in Republic of Korea.
All four initiated proposals to partner with Davao in several areas of cooperation.
Mati City looks forward to eco-tourism and heritage preservation, including cultural exchange.
DCIPC officer-in-charge April Marie Dayap said its proximity to Davao is its advantage. Both cities are known for resorts, marine conservation efforts, and a long-standing relationship in the areas of agro-industrial trade and agriculture.
Sennan City in Osaka is Davao’s second sister city from Japan, after Kitakyushu which will hopefully usher in people-to-people exchange in the field of education and student exchange programs, job provision, as well as research and development.
Herzliya, the largest and most innovative marina in the Middle East is pinpointed to drive agri-economy and trade relations with Davao via its thriving industrial zone and high-tech companies, including tourism.
As the center of the Korean steel industry, Pohang City is much anticipated by Davao for its various linkages in the academe and to power Davao’s future start-up/business incubation efforts particularly in research, science and technology.
The IRB, composed of different government offices and private organizations in the city, is the body tasked to deliberate and act on sister-city proposals. The board is closely coordinating with DCIPC which serves as secretariat.
Exploring possible sister cityhood
In a press release from the Davao City Information Office, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Argentina Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro are exploring a possible sister city relationship between Davao City and Argentina’s four cities.
Bocalandro had a courtesy call with Duterte on Friday, November 11 where the two discussed the possible partnership with Davao City and the cities of Rosario, Mendoza, and Cordoba in Argentina.
The two officials expressed interest in establishing a sister-city relationship.
“Our shared goal of mutual trust and linking with other countries for partnership in whatever possible aspect is one key to our city’s further growth,” Duterte said.
Mendoza is a city popular among wine connoisseurs since the whole region is the largest wine producer in the country. It is frequented by tourists taking day trips and tasting Argentine wines. Rosario and Cordoba are also potential partners, especially in tourism and education. Cordoba is a lively university city, home to many colleges and universities similar to Davao City.
The Mayor and the Ambassador also agreed to explore collaborations in the areas of IT development, technology expertise, and industrial machinery.
Bocalandro stayed in Davao City from November 9 to 11 for the Innovation Summit and meetings with local partners. He was accompanied by his wife, Maria Elena Urriste.
Diplomatic relations between the Argentine Republic and the Philippines have existed for decades, dating as early as 1948. At present, Argentina has an embassy in Manila and the Philippines has an embassy in Buenos Aires. RGL with CIO