Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional ties, formalizing a partnership that promises mutual growth and development. In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 18, the two local government units (LGUs) cemented their cooperation through a Sister City Agreement, marking a milestone in regional collaboration.
The signing ceremony took place at the Sta. Cruz Municipal Hall, with Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Sta. Cruz Mayor Jose Nelson Sala Sr. leading the event. Local officials from both LGUs were present to witness the occasion. This new partnership aims to create opportunities for joint projects and initiatives in various sectors such as public safety, disaster management, tourism, education, and social services. It also focuses on strengthening human resources, environmental conservation, and gender development practices across both LGUs.
For both cities, this partnership represents a proactive approach to address shared challenges, from disaster preparedness to bolstering local economies through tourism. The agreement is also a step forward in formalizing educational initiatives, with plans for Sta. Cruz to model its state college after Davao’s local college. This emphasis on education highlights the agreement’s long-term goals—building infrastructure that benefits the younger generations of both regions.
In his remarks, Mayor Duterte expressed optimism for the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of unity between neighboring LGUs. “We’ve always been close neighbors, and through this formal agreement, we’ll be able to enhance that relationship further,” Duterte said. “It’s not just for Davao or Sta. Cruz; this partnership will be for the benefit of the entire region.”
Mayor Sala echoed the sentiment, thanking Davao City for the support and highlighting how this partnership would drive future growth in Sta. Cruz. The potential for collaboration, particularly in areas such as healthcare through Sta. Cruz’s planned Lingap program, underscores the practical benefits of the agreement for residents in both cities.
The formalization of this partnership is a testament to the collaborative spirit between the two LGUs, a relationship rooted in mutual respect and the common goal of improving the lives of their constituents. As both cities continue to grow, the Sister City Agreement serves as a foundation for further cooperation, fostering stronger ties in the years to come.
This partnership marks a promising chapter for both Davao City and Sta. Cruz, showing that when local governments unite, they can create more opportunities and pave the way for sustainable development that benefits the wider region. Through this agreement, the two LGUs reaffirm their commitment to community-building, resource-sharing, and working together toward a brighter future.