There may be little resemblance between Tagbilaran and Iligan as far as appearance, size and culture are concerned. This, however, does not mean that they could not be sisters in substance. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed in Iligan last June 17 which formalized the relationship between the two cities. The MOA signatories were Mayor Lawrence Cruz for Iligan and City administrator Eduardo Macalandag for Tagbilaran. Macalandag led the Tagbilaran delegation after both Mayor Dan Lim and Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes failed to join the group due to pressing commitments. He was joined by Councilors Edgar Bompat and Bebiano Inting. Also present during the signing were Rep. Vicente Belmonte and Vice Mayor Henry Dy.

The MOA provides that the sisterhood relationship program shall promote and expand an effective and mutually beneficial cooperation for the development of both local governments. Among the areas of cooperation identified in the MOA are the promotion of business, investment and commerce, agriculture, culture, tourism, local governance development, education, environment, science and technology and other areas agreed upon by both parties. Under the terms of the MOA, both cities seek areas of cooperation including exchange of economic idea and data, exchange of technology in agriculture, collaboration in the search of partners and in the execution of joint promotional activities. Tagbilaran and Iligan will also encourage cooperation between public and private companies as well as engage in mutual comprehension and support based on either city’s available cultural resources and other artistic programs and activities. The two cities will finance the activities referred to in the MOA with the assigned resources in the respective budgets according to the availability of funds. The agreement took effect upon its signing last Thursday.

It can be terminated by either party by a written notice given to the other party 60 days in advance. Any termination will not affect the completion of project and activities. In his executive order no. 42 on the establishment of the sisterhood agreement with Tagbilaran, Cruz said it can open up trade, industrial and commercial ventures, tourism, social and cultural interaction that would be mutually beneficial. The mayor said it is viewed that the agreement would enrich the lives of the citizens in the sister cities. Commenting on the agreement, Lim said it is flattering for Tagbilaran that other cities want a formal relationship with it now. “At the very least, it shows that others are looking at us now,” he added. Lim said he is sure that Tagbilaran has a lot to offer in terms of its own experiences even as he expressed the desire to learn from others particularly Iligan. Iligan is only the first of many cities that have expressed interest to enter into a sisterhood agreement with Tagbilaran.