Our sister, Makati

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

All of a sudden, residents of Bacolod City realized what having Makati City in Metro Manila for a sister would entail. For some time, Bacoleños had been wondering why their officials were so upbeat about the Sisterhood pact being planned between the two cities.

On Monday this week, many were impressed, if not amazed at the very obvious advantages that the two cities could offer each other, after the signing of what could be a sort of “Magna Carta” between them, as delineated by the mayor of Makati City after the formalizing of the relationship with the mayor of Bacolod City.

As stated by Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. in his speech after the signing rites, the twinning agreement will bind both cities in economics partnerships, cultural exchange, knowledge and technology transfer. As it is, with Makati probably being one of the richest, if not the richest cities in the country, despite being relatively new, Bacolod has more to gain from the ties at the moment. At the same time, Bacolod will also have a model to emulate, and a big sister to look up to for advice and inspiration.

Among the most welcomed announcements made by Mayor Binay at the ceremonies on Monday was that, as residents of their sister city, Bacoleños can now avail of the services of the Hospital ng Makati, while our students can also participate in the scholarship programs of his city. Those alone are already benefits that mean a lot to our people here, many of whom regularly go to Manila and Makati, specifically, and may need medical attention while there.

There are so many other possibilities that can result in mutual benefits for our two cities. But we are, indeed, fortunate that this agreement was arrived at when the officials of both cities are apparently of the same mind in working for the success of their local government, and the well-being and prospects of their people.*