The cities of Manila and Chonqing, China will be forging a sister-city relationship aimed at exchanging information on culture, trade, education and many other aspects of governance.
This was agreed upon as Mayor Honey Lacuna, joined by City Administrator Bernie Ang, welcomed the delegation from Chongqing, headed by Madam Lu Hong, standing member of the CPC Chongqing Committee and chief of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Chongqing Committee, as they paid the lady mayor a courtesy visit in her office at the Manila City Hall. Also present were Manila’s department of tourism chief Charlie Dungo, Manila Chinatown Development Council (MCDC) executive director Willord Chua, Manila’s Ambassadress of Goodwill to China Chang Lai Fong and Manila-China Cultural Affairs Office (MCCAO) officers Jenny Wang and Owen So.
Madam Lu expressed her interest in reviving the ‘friendship ties’ established way back in 2011 and to go even farther through a sister-city relationship.
Lacuna and MadammLu exchanged information about the strengths of their respective cities and what they can offer for each other.
Madam Lu expressed her admiration for Lacuna and her leadership style, saying she can greatly relate to her since she, too, was a former mayor in her country before she got appointed to her present post.
Praising Lacuna’s performance and the programs she had set out for her constituents, Madam Lu made special mention of Manila’s provision of allowances for its senior citizens and students as well.
Lacuna was elated that Madam Lu knew about her programs and said: “Chongqing is very close to the hearts of Manilans..we have been facing the same challenges on urbanization and we want to learn more from you…we are thankful that you are here to visit us because this will open the windows of opportunities for our city. When you go back to your place, please tell them the good news that the city of Manila is a city that recognizes you not only as a partner but as a true friend of our beloved city..
For her part, Madam Lu said that while ties were established with Manila in 2011, it was not explored to the fullest so that she would want to now strengthen the partnership of their respective cities.
Lacuna assured Madam Lu that Manila will be partnering with Chongqing.
City Administrator Ang stressed that Manila established the MCDC, the MCCAO and even appointing an Ambassadress of Goodwill to China as a way of showing the importance that the city gives to its relations with China.
Chongqing is one of the four municipalities under the direct administration of the central government of the People’s Republic of China, with a permanent population of 30 million. It is the largest city proper in the world.
