Why do local government units forge a sisterhood agreement among themselves?
Another question would be: why are many cities and municipalities in the provinces desiring to partner with Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila as a "sister"?
These questions again came to the fore with the signing of another sister-city relationship of Mandaluyong City and Tabontabon, Leyte.
The two LGUs formalized the agreement during the Monday morning flag ceremony at the Mandaluyong City Hall.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr., former chairman of the Commission on Elections and father of Alyansa senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos, welcomed to the city Tabontabon Mayor Efren Redona, Vice Mayor Ponciano Justimbarte Jr., council members and department heads.
The Leyte officials noted that the accord is expected to foster trade and cultural exchange, aside from learning in governance and economic growth for them.
Mayor Abalos Sr. exuded pride in Mandaluyong's present achievements, for as a native of the city, he has seen the locality's transformation from a rustic town to a modern and vibrant metropolis that it is today.
And we might add: the progress that Mandaluyong has attained in the field of business, finance, trade and public services can be traced to the efforts and vision of the Abalos family.
The mayor reminisced about the old days when his city was known only as the site of the Women's Correctional Institution and the National Mental Hospital.
While these facilities are important to the national government, it somehow rubbed the city the wrong way. But they struggled and doubled their efforts, until Mandaluyong became the bustling city that it is today.
The city is home to various iconic establishments that are in the western part of Ortigas Center. These include the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank, Banco de Oro, San Miguel Corporation, United Laboratories, Shangri-La Hotel and SM Megamall.
The last in the list may be behind Mandaluyong's moniker as "Shopping Mall Capital of the Philippines," following its designation as "Tiger City of the Philippines" during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.
Today, Mandaluyong is also the sister city of Dubai, Gasan, Marinduque and San Andres, Catanduanes, among others.
The local towns and their officials are learning much from the experience of Mandaluyong, especially in managing the economy and providing basic services to its citizens.
Abalos highlighted three key programs that he prioritized during his term: housing, free education and public health.
Needing to provide mass housing for its informal settlers, the city administration opted to expropriate land and build the houses.
Free education from elementary to college for Mandaluyong residents was also provided, along with the needed tools such as books and school supplies.
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