THE City Government is set to forge a sistership ties with Imus, Cavite, after it passed a resolution expressing their desire to forge a sisterhood agreement with Cagayan de Oro.
City Investments and Promotions Office head Eileen San Juan said although the city is not a highly-urbanized one, it is however known for its rich and cultural heritage.
"The agreement is beneficial for the two cities as both can undertake a number of activities and do trade and tourism exchange for economical advancement," San Juan said.
Meanwhile, aside from boosting relationship with other cities, the city is also working to develop new tourist destinations.
The Cagayan de Oro Upland Initiatives Federation Inc., in a meeting with Councilor Jay Pascual's committee on tourism, has proposed new sites for the city to develop.
The group said there are several caves, natural spring areas, waterfalls, among others that are found in barangays Tagpangi, Pagalungan, Taglimao, Tuburan, Pigsag-an, Tumpagon, Lumbia, Mambuaya, Bayanga, Tignapoloan, Dansolihon, and Balubal, all hinterland villages of Cagayan de Oro.
The new proposal is a response to Councilor Pascual's call to village chiefs that they identify their own local tourist destinations in an aim to boost Cagayan de Oro's tourism industry.
Pascual welcomed the proposal of the upland federation, and asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to assess these areas before developing them.
Pascual vowed to allocate a budget for the development of these tourist sites once a plan is finalized. (PJ Orias)