Historic Moment: Baguio and San Antonio officially become sister cities

BAGUIO-SAN ANTONIO SISTERHOOD ACCORD. Baguio City and the City of San Antonio, Texas solidify their bond of sisterhood with the signing of a Sister Cities Agreement on Thursday, July 13, 2023, held at the Bell Amphitheater in Camp John Hay and was attended by esteemed guests from both the United States and the Philippines. (Merriam del Rosario/FNS)

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong of Baguio City and Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio, Texas, solidified their cities’ sisterhood bond by signing a Sister Cities Agreement on Thursday.

The momentous ceremony took place at the picturesque Bell Amphitheater in Camp John Hay and welcomed esteemed guests from both countries, including representatives from the City of San Antonio and the US Embassy in the Philippines.

Expressing his gratitude, Mayor Nirenberg acknowledged the warm welcome extended by Baguio City as he arrived with a 25-member delegation from San Antonio.

The event served as a platform to showcase the culinary talents of both cities, with a delightful fusion of flavors prepared by a collaborative effort between a local Baguio chef and San Antonio chefs.

San Antonio’s inclusion in UNESCO’s creative city network in 2017, encompassing fields such as gastronomy, crafts, design, film, literature, media arts, and music, has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.

Likewise, Baguio City became a recognized creative city of crafts and folk arts within the UNESCO creative cities network, further strengthening the cultural connection between the two cities.

Witnessed by local government officials, department heads, representatives from the private sector, educational institutions, cultural performers, and representatives from local festivals, the signing ceremony highlighted the commitment of both cities to mutual support, understanding, and the expansion of official and non-governmental exchanges.

The Sister Cities Agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, covering various domains such as research collaborations, promoting commerce and trade, tourism, healthcare, education, socio-cultural initiatives, ecological sustainability, military cooperation, and emergency management.

It also encourages the publicizing of relations between the cities, the exchange of cultural artifacts, fostering relations between organizations, schools, universities, and chambers of commerce, as well as facilitating cultural and business visits.

To ensure the effective implementation of the programs outlined in the agreement, a concrete liaison will be maintained between the Baguio City Tourism Office and San Antonio Global Engagement Office, Economic Development Department.

Additionally, other departments and community partners will be actively involved as appropriate, fostering robust collaboration between the two cities.

The Sister Cities Agreement also establishes a mechanism for friendly negotiations to address matters not explicitly covered in the agreement, highlighting the commitment to resolve issues through mutual understanding and friendship.

In a formal exchange, Mayor Nirenberg and Mayor Magalong presented each other with city gifts, symbolizing the unique identities and cultures of Baguio City and San Antonio.

This act further solidified the spirit of collaboration and respect between the two cities.

The signing of the Sister Cities Agreement represents a significant milestone in the relationship between Baguio City and San Antonio.

It paves the way for increased cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual growth, ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for both cities. ### Merriam del Rosario // Filipino News Sentinel