ITOGON, Benguet – The municipal government has solidified its partnership with Guam, USA by entering into a sisterhood agreement with the municipality and tri-village of Mongmong-Toto-Maite (MTM) which was signed on October 23, 2023, at the Municipal Function Hall, Poblacion, Itogon.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Itogon Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio, and members of the Itogon Sangguniang Bayan. MTM Mayor Rudy A. Paco, Mayor’s Council of Guam Executive Director Angel R. Sablan, and MTM Municipal Planning Council members, David John Untalan, Vincent V. Dela Cruz, Darlene L.G. Perez, and Gary A. Tanaka, represented their municipality.
Erik Salvador initiated the signing who played a pivotal role in establishing several sisterhood relationships between several Benguet municipalities and Guam.
The sisterhood agreement encompasses the exchange of knowledge and resources in areas such as trade, tourism, culture and arts, sports, and environmental protection. It is expected to facilitate the mutual development of these fields within municipal government and MTM, benefiting both communities.
Mayors Waclin and Paco expressed their hope for this relationship to foster development among their constituents and the people of Itogon and MTM.
As part of their visit, the Guam delegation toured the facilities of the Philex Mining Corporation and observed the Tailings Storage Facilities in Padcal Mines. Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet’s hydropower facility in Binga, Itogon.