[ Manila Bulletin Online ] July 2, 2008
By BERNIE CAHILES–MAGKILAT
Sta. Rosa, Toyokawa become twin cities
Sta. Rosa City, the country’s new headquarters for multinationals operating in the country, and Toyokawa City of Japan are forging a twinning agreement to promote technology transfer for the benefit of the two cities, which are both manufacturing hubs.
This was revealed by the Department of Tourism after it facilitated initial meeting between the local government officials of the two cities.
"We’re optimistic that forthcoming talks between the two cities will eventually lead to a more formal cooperative program that will bring mutual benefits. The Department decided that Sta. Rosa and Toyokawa would make a perfect match in terms of their local industries," said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Durano said the twinning agreement would focus on the transfer of knowledge and technology that would mutually develop their domestic industries, which is dominated by manufacturing.
The cooperation would also include tourism, cultural and academic exchanges. Venues for discussing local governance and policy will also be explored.
Sta. Rosa, a 1st Class City in the Laguna province, is dubbed the "Investment Capital of South Luzon".
The city is host to the manufacturing plants of several Japanese multinational companies, including Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. Foodstuff producer Monde Nissin Corporation also has a facility located in Sta. Rosa’s Barangay Balibago.
Sta. Rosa is also known as the site of Enchanted Kingdom, one of the major theme parks in the Philippines, as well as several housing developments.
In the same manner, Toyokawa City of the Aichi Prefecture is known as the production area for transportation equipment and parts, general machinery, electronics and agricultural goods.
Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno led a six-man delegation accompanied by DOT Region IV Director Louella Jurilla in their initial conference with Toyokawa City Mayor Minoru Yamawaki.
"We had a very productive meeting with our counterparts in Toyokawa City. Plans for arranging a sister cityhood is very plausible since our development goals tie up well," shared Mayor Arcillas.
_______________________________________________________________________
