BAGUIO CITY — A significant milestone was reached as Baguio City and San Antonio, Texas signed a Sister Cities Agreement on Thursday at the Bell Amphitheater in Camp John Hay.

The signing ceremony, attended by esteemed guests from both the United States and the Philippines, marked a new era of cooperation and cultural exchange between the two cities.

The mayors of the respective cities, Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio and Benjie Magalong of Baguio City, sealed the accord with their signatures, solidifying the commitment to foster greater understanding and collaboration.

Among the dignitaries present were Ms. Shahrzad Dowlatshahi, Chief Diplomacy & Protocol Office/Head of Global Engagement of the City of San Antonio, and Dir. Pauline Anderson, Public Engagement Acting Director of the US Embassy in the Philippines.

Baguio congressman Marquez Go and Communities Aligning Baguio and San Antonio Texas (CABSAT) president Melinda A. Rodriguez also graced the occasion.

Mayor Nirenberg expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the city of Baguio, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships between nations and cultures.

San Antonio had brought a 25-member delegation, including renowned chefs, whose collaboration with a local Baguio chef resulted in a unique fusion of culinary delights served during the ceremony.

San Antonio’s inclusion in UNESCO’s creative city network in 2017, particularly in the field of gastronomy, has been instrumental in promoting their cultural heritage.

Baguio City, on the other hand, gained recognition as a creative city of crafts and folk arts, further enriching the cultural ties between the two cities.

The Sister Cities Agreement encompasses various areas of mutual interest, highlighting the commitment to conduct research beneficial to both cities.

It also focuses on promoting activities in commerce and trade, tourism, healthcare, education, socio-cultural affairs, ecology and sustainability, as well as military and emergency management.

In addition to official cooperation, the agreement encourages the exchange of gifts and cultural artifacts, the establishment of formal relationships between organizations, schools, universities, and chambers of commerce, and the facilitation of cultural and business visits.

The accord further emphasizes the importance of maintaining close collaboration between the Baguio City Tourism Office and the San Antonio Global Engagement Office, with the involvement of other departments and community partners as deemed necessary.

Both cities have also agreed to resolve any matters not explicitly covered in the agreement through friendly negotiations, guided by the principles of mutual understanding and friendship.

To mark the occasion, the mayors engaged in a formal exchange of city gifts, symbolizing the uniqueness and identity of their respective cities.

The signing of the Sister Cities Agreement between Baguio City and San Antonio, Texas lays the foundation for a future of shared experiences, collaborative endeavors, and lasting friendship, ultimately promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for both cities.