Staff reporter
Laoag City—The city government expects more sister cities from Regions I, II, III and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Laoag vice mayor Michael V, Fariñas made this announcement following the approval of several unnumbered resolutions that express the city government’s intent to forge sister city ties with at least 18 more cities.
Laoag Liga ng mga Barangay president and ex-officio councilor Mary Michelle Louise “Mikee” V. Fariñas, daughter of the vice mayor, sponsored the measures.
The measure authorizes Laoag mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas to represent the city in seeking the sisterhood agreements.
Ms. Fariñas identified the cities as Tabuk in Kalinga; Tuguegarao in Cagayan; Iligan, Cauayan, and Santiago in Isabela; San Jose and Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija; Balanga in Bataan; Olongapo City in Zambales; Mabalacat in Pampanga; Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, and Meycauayan in Bulacan; Tarlac in Tarlac Province; Urdaneta and Dagupan in Pangasinan; Baguio of Benguet and Vigan in Ilocos Sur.
Mr. Fariñas said he earlier visited the said cities on September 10 to 22, 2017. In the said visit, he said he communicated the intent to the said cities.
He added that they will send the approved resolutions to 18 cities for their information and for possible schedule in approving the sisterhood relations agreement.
The vice mayor, a former three-term Laoag mayor, also mentioned that he will also visit other cities in the south for more possible sister city agreements.
He stressed that the sisterhood agreement aims to cement stronger ties between the cities involved. It is also one way of promoting the city to the other cities, he added.
He also disclosed that Laoag officials are willing to visit the cities to establish the agreement. He added that he also believes that the cities concern will also reciprocate.