Forging a firmer and sturdier alliance between Valenzuela City and Tanauan City, Mayor WES Gatchalian and Mayor Nelson Collantes spearheaded the signing of the sisterhood agreement to further extend their urban ties, held at Tanauan City Hall, October 13, 2023.

Under the virtue of Resolution No. 2610, Series of 2023, passed by the Valenzuela City Council and Resolution No. 2022-2264, signed by Tanauan City Council, the brotherly relationship between the two mentioned cities was formally affirmed. Apart from that, they have also categorized the developmental checklist which they will intend to focus on, in order to have a more efficient interchange of government systems for the sustainable growth of their respective economies. The following are the six main areas of economic development:

• Technical Exchange and Cooperation for Sustainable Development

• Trade and Investment

• Tourism

• Information Technology

• Human Development

• Culture and Arts

As part of their governance visit to Tanauan City, Mayor WES, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, and the entire city council toured Sabang River Eco Park, Taal Lake, Honda Philippines Factory, and Apolinario Mabini Shrine and Museum. The delegates from Valenzuela aim to observe and study their best practices, industry and preservation of cultural landmarks, which can be used for future programs in the city.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Mayor WES assured that the local government of Valenzuela will fully support and accompany Tanauan City in their time of need. He stated, “Kami po ay nagagalak na makita ang inyong mga programa at iba't ibang mga imprastraktura. Naniniwala po ako [na] with the right vision ni Mayor Sonny, sa kaniyang dedication, at sincerity sa paglilingkod, na ang Lungsod ng Tanauan po ay hihigitan pa ang Lungsod ng Valenzuela sa mga darating na araw. Makakaasa po kayo na ang buong pamunuan ng Valenzuela ay buo ang commitment na aalalayan ang inyong Lungsod sa oras na inyong kakailanganin.” [We are happy to observe your programs and various infrastructures. I believe that with Mayor Sonny's right Vision, his dedication, and sincerity in public service, the City of Tanauan will eventually surpass the City of Valenzuela as years go by. You can count on the entire leadership of Valenzuela to be fully committed to supporting your City in your time of need.]

On the other hand, the aforestated sisterhood signing marks Tanauan City as Valenzuela City’s 77th sister city. With that, the two local governments are expected to work arm in arm to ensure that they altogether rise to the pinnacle of progress.

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