A delegation led by Kaua’i Mayor Bernard B. Carvalho from the State of Hawai’i recently paid a visit to Valenzuela City to witness the booming progress of the City and to discuss possibilities of a sisterhood agreement to promote educational, technological and cultural exchange between the two cities.

Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian welcomed the 20-member delegation composed of government officials and private citizens from the Filipino communities from the County of Kaua’i.

At the welcome conference, Mayor WIN discussed his development agenda for the City, as well as, his benchmark projects that contributed to Valenzuela City’s rapid growth. “From being an industrial center, we shifted our focus into being the most-business friendly city in the country.  Our investments in education and IT will ensure that in a short time, Valenzuela will host its very own techno hub that will generate local jobs through the BPO industry”, the Mayor said.

An AVP was presented that showcased Valenzuela City’s platform towards its rapid progress in the span of less than a decade. The presentation elicited a round of applause from the Hawaiian audience.

On an address to Mayor WIN, Kaua’i Mayor Bernard B. Carvalho gave a positive remark on the result of his visit: “We are very much impressed on how Mayor WIN made progress for Valenzuela City.  We are glad that he personally welcomed us.   We learned so many things that can be of help for the development of our town.”

“Our visit to the Philippines is a result of the growing participation of the Filipino community in Kauwa’i governance.  It is a blessing that they came here with us to show how their country excels in growth and development,” Mayor Carvalho added.

The visit was concluded by an exchange of gifts from the two parties, as well as the possible sisterhood tie-up to promote mutually beneficial interests of local communities through pursuit of educational, economic, and cultural opportunities based on goodwill and friendship. Currently, Valenzuela City has a standing sisterhood agreement with Bucheon City of South Korea while Kaua’i has with the Municipalities of Santa, Ilocos Sur and Bangued, Abra; and Urdaneta City, Pangasinan in the Philippines.

“The growing interest of international communities in Valenzuela City is a testament of confidence in our governance.  This makes an impression that we are doing a good job on our part.” capped Mayor WIN.

Kaua'i County consists of the main island of Kaua'i, the privately-owned island of Ni'ihau, and the uninhabited islands of Lehua and Ka?ula.  Kaua’i is about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu, the capital of the State of Hawai’i.

- Michael Urieta