CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Provincial Government of Pampanga solidified its relationship with Negros Occidental province in a sisterhood agreement signed in an event held at Royce Hotel and Casino here Sunday morning.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Governor Alfredo Marañon led the signing of the memorandum of agreement. It was witnessed by the members of the provincial officials of each province.
With their desire to promote favorable relations of partnership and cooperation between their people and recognizing the importance of the principles of equality and mutual cooperation and benefits, the two provinces agreed for a sisterhood agreement in line with their prevailing laws and regulations.
The sisterhood eyes the promotion and expansion of their capabilities in the following fields: Economic Enterprise; Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Sports; Livelihood and Employment; Special Projects Concern; Environment Protection and Disaster Response; Trade, Commerce, and Industry; Health and Education; and Information Technology.
The sisterhood was also fuelled by the opening of the Clark-Bacolod flights by the Philippine Airlines launched last December 15 this year.
Marañon thanked Pineda for organizing the special visit for the Negros Occidental officials. He also confessed that he was amazed by the new Clark-Bacolod flight and the convenience it brings.
“The trip from Bacolod to Clark was one of the most comfortable and shortest trips of mine from Bacolod to Luzon. It was very quick. And there was no traffic in the air,” he said.
The Negrense governor also hopes that the relationship will further grow and lead to more opportunities with the cooperation of the two provinces.
Governor Pineda, on her part, thanked the delegation for visiting Pampanga. She also added that in return, she will invite not just Pampanga but the whole Central Luzon to come to Negros Occidental.
“”Hindi lang ang mga Kapampangan ang dadalhin ko sa Bacolod kundi ang buong Central Luzon pupunta sila,” she said.
She is eyeing to conduct summits and seminars in Negros Occidental now that the Clark-Bacolod flights make it only a one-hour trip.
The mother of Pampanga also confessed that she talked to Marañon on giving guidance to their successor in cultivating the good relationship the two provinces have started.
“Huwag kayong bibitaw dahil hanggang sa susunod na henerasyon magkapatid pa rin ang Negros Occidental at ang Pampanga,” she added.
The event was a follow-up of the signing of agreement done by the two provinces at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Friday, December 15. The signing of the pact was witnessed by the provincial officials of both provinces.
PHILIP OCAMPO
