Guam and Olongapo City, now partners in progress

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. together with Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and Councilor Nathan Manalo, received an emblematic key to the Island of Guam that would unlock benefits and opportunities for the residents of the said territory and for Olongapeños as well.

The said key, handed to Mayor Gordon by Guam Senator Eddie Calvo and Speaker Judith Won Pat, symbolizes the historical Olongapo-Guam Sister City signing held last November 13 at the Guam Legislature.

“The Sister-City relationship of Olongapo and Guam will open gateways to tourism, cultural exchanges, employment and business investments for both parties. As former host and workforce at a US Navy facility, Olongapo and Olongapeños can help in the Guam build-up relative to the transfer of the US Military base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam,” said Mayor Gordon.

"I think this (Sister-City) gives a sincere strengthening of the relationship that we have. There are so many similarities between the people of the Philippines and Guam," said Guam Sen. Tina Muna-Barnes.

It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon initiated the Sister-City request to Guam by virtue of City Council Resolution No. 60, inviting the said territory to participate in the Philippine International Sisterhood and Twinning Program (PHISTA).

Guam officials headed by Senator Eddie Calvo handed the symbolical key of the city of Guam in connection with the Sisterhood with Olongapo to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. last November 13, 2009 marking the start of a strengthened and harmonious relationship between Olongapo City and Guam.

Pao/sara