By
Mary May A. Abellon
Sisterhood symbolizes intimate relationship between siblings
for them to cling to or rely on each other for support and help.
Sisterhood is not only present in our homes and in any
organization but also between two or more local government units (LGUs) to foster mutual friendship and goodwill, and to nurture closer
relationships between and among their constituents for closer social and cultural
exchanges and economic ties.
Twin towns
or sister cities are a form of
legal and social agreement between towns, cities, provinces, regions, states,
and even countries in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote
cultural and commercial ties.
Historic signing
On January 29, 2015, a formal and historic signing of a sisterhood
agreement between the city government of Dipolog and the Parnas Municipal
District, St. Petersburg, Russia came to pass.
Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, pursuant to Sangguniang Panlungsod
Resolution No. 14-340, series of 2014 and Aleksi Vladimirovich Cherezov, head
of Parnas Municipal District signed a memorandum of agreement marking the
establishment of a sisterhood relationship between the two local governments at
Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City.
Although situated too far from each other, the two places
have shared a common desire to promote and foster strong ties, mutual
understanding, friendship and goodwill.
“This historic event, we make things happen as the East meets
the West,” Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said.
For his part, Aleksi Vladimirovich Cherezov expressed his
gratitude for establishing the sisterhood relationship with Dipolog City.
“We are thankful for the signing of this sisterhood
agreement. Our cooperation will develop our cultural ties while relying on each
other and exchanging our experiences,” Cherezov pointed out.
Present during the historic signing were Zamboanga del Norte Governor
Roberto Y. Uy, city councilors, Armi Lopez-Garcia, honorary consul of the
Russian Federation, Andrey Sapozhnikov, trade counsellor of the Russian Embassy,
Elena Sergeeva, executive assistant to the Deputy Member of Russian Parliament
Elena, barangay officials, and members of the media.
Stronger ties, mutual hopes and dreams
Dipolog City and the Parnas Municipal District aim to
strengthen friendships and mutual understanding through exchanges in sciences
and technology, culture and arts, tourism, planning and urban development,
commerce, trade and industry, education and sports development, environmental
protection, public health and social services, among others of common concern.
Both governments also seek to create an atmosphere in which
socio-cultural development, business and economic growth can be implemented and
strengthened through adoption and sharing of good practices of their respective
places.
“This way our people can promote and showcase our history,
education, culture and arts other than the economic, trade and industry and
agriculture,” Mayor Uy stressed.
“Both sides can train and exchange education. In Dipolog,
Russian can learn English language with our proficient teachers. On the other
hand, in Russia we can learn their rich history, culture, arts, music and
culinary,” she added.
“You will experience hospitality in Dipolog with love,” the
lady mayor assured the Russian guests.
Honorary Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia of the Russian Federation,
a Dipolognon, was responsible for making the sisterhood agreement between the
two places possible.
She said that one of the reasons why Russian people adore and
admire Filipinos is “our candid and genuine smiles that can be seen through our
eyes,” adding “even during calamities we still manage to smile.”
Garcia also shared her views about Russia and things that
capture her attention.
“The sense of culture and history in Russia is very strong. The
government focused on children’s physical activity not only in nurturing them
with education,” she stressed.
“They have cultural center for children offering free
training on music, arts, culture, ballet and different kinds of sports,” she
added.
Replicating good governance
Through this sisterhood agreement with the Parnas Municipal
District, Dipolog City is hoping that years from now it can replicate the good
governance and booming economy demonstrated by Parnas.
Mayor Uy said the first project the city government of
Dipolog and Parnas are going to undertake is on exchange of culture and
education.
“I’m very interested in the cultural center they have for
children. In fact we have 50 organizations of artists. I would like to be like
Russia in preserving our culture and arts,” the lady mayor stressed.
“Let our new generations experience our culture in order for
us to be unique,” she added.
Meanwhile, Garcia bared that there are employment
opportunities in Russia. “And I would like to prioritize Dipolognons because we
have to choose the people we know and trust since the Overseas Filipino Workers
are our front liners and ambassadors of goodwill,” she said.
According to her, those who will fly to Russia will have to
undergo an extensive training on Russian culture and language.
“We would like to have exchange of students to learn in
Russia,” Elena Sergeeva, executive assistant to the Deputy Member of Russian
Parliament said.