To promote progress and economic growth among cities, a sisterhood agreement between Toledo City & Makati City took place at the Cebeco Social Hall, June 27, 2008 in the morning. Duly attended by our City Mayor, Vice-Mayor, City officials,Department Heads,Brgy.Captains,rep.from local & national offices and guests.
It was hosted by Mrs. Trinidad Bubuli,Tourism Officer.The gathering was very informative.There was an exchange of
ideas and insights on every City. Prior to the formal opening, Mayor Binay entertained few questions with regards to their City.Some few ideas shared were as follows; Makati City have an SEF of 9.4B/yr.They offer free schooling program for children,shoes,bags,textbooks. Their computer ratio is 1:1. So with textbooks 1:1.Their senior citizens are loved and gave them most of the benefits they deserve, medical,burial assistance,free movies etc. They learn mostly from the internet. For them to reach the heights of developed City, they work & treat the Government as if it is a private sector, in the same way the government is like having a business establishment. They are giving 100% attention to the government.They add on
that we just have to know and define the problem for an effective governance. Aftersuch, the ceremony kick-off with a Prayer, National Hymn and Toledo Hymn as presented thru AVP. Then, a welcome remarks was given by Vice-Mayor Aurelio P. Espinosa acknowledging each Guests and visitors.Then, Hon. Elias Tolentino, City Councilor introduced the Makati delegation,graced by the presence of Mayor Binay of Makati, Board Member Tito Gastardo, Hon.Armand Padilla, Mayor Benjie Martinez of Tagum , Hon. Elias Tolentino, Hon. Henry Jacome, Hon. Tetchie de Lara,with
Allan Zulueta,Jr. Pangilinan, Regie Suarez.
The Toledo delegation was also introduced by the City Administrator, Engr.Avelino Zambo Jr.,Hon.Arlene Zambo,Hon.Aurelio
Espinosa,and City Councilors Hon. Felicisima Macapobre,Hon.Merly Abad, Hon.Amy de Pio, Hon. Antonio Borja Jr., Hon.Antonio
Mercado Jr.,Hon. Ricardo Pepito, Hon.Arturo Mendoza,Hon.Amuerfino Perales,Hon.Edgar Aguilar (ABC Pres.,)Hon.Teresito Largo,
Hon. Marc Eric Espinosa. Afterwhich, Makati City introduced their City through an AVP Presentation. They showed the
projects, services and government programs launched by the City and the activities they undergone to meet their status as
of the present as a highly industrialized City. Next AVP presentation was on the basic facts of Toledo and the future concept
of the City in the years to come by the City Administrator, Engr.Avelino Zambo Jr.
Following the AVP presentations was a photo slideshow on the Biography of Makati City mayor, Jejomar Binay. How he reached his status as undefeated Mayor can be seen through the efforts,actions and time he spent on his constituents.On his speech, he expressed a well-meaning sister city relation with Toledo.
In deep gratitude, Mayor Arlene Zambo appreciated Makati city, as a mega city, Toledo still has a lot to catch up with.But, after talking with Mayor Binay, having shared with all learnings and get new ideas from Makati, even referred to it as "Binay's doctrines", Toledo will soon come to follow and emulate the steps of Mayor Binay. Mayor then gave thanks for the acceptance as sister city. With the leadership, capability in the City, we can now contribute to the development of the Cities. She stressed that the most important thing in the sisterhood pact is that it builds a bridge between two (2) cities. Friendship is a good start for strong relations with cities, and anytime, Toledo's doors are open for all.
Then on, the signing agreement between two (2) sister cities was ink by both Mayors.The officials take turns in signing the agreement for future strong relations.
There was then a picture taking among the Officials, Barangay captains,participants and guests. Everyone then proceed to Cebeco III wide area for lunch.
With all gratefulness to the visit of Makati, a warm thank you is expressed by Toledanos, and also from the Toledo Market Association whom Mayor Binay & party visited in their arrival.
rubinmarissa@yahoo.com_gics file./