Davao City and Mati City have signed a sisterhood agreement intending to promote cooperation and understanding between the two cities.
The agreement was signed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat.
“Mati has something invaluable and intangible to offer, which is not present in Davao City.”
During the signing ceremony, Duterte expressed his fondness for Mati City, stating that it holds a special place in his heart and is his second home. He also mentioned that Mati has something invaluable and intangible to offer, which is not present in Davao City.
However, Duterte added that the sisterhood agreement was just a formality since both cities have been supporting each other for several years.
Rabat expressed her delight with the agreement, saying that it was a dream come true because Davao City is like a big sister to Mati ever since.
She cited instances when Davao City helped Mati City, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic by sending them food and goods without seeking any recognition.
“Davao City has been helpful to us. Adopt-in nyo na kami. Gawin nyo na kaming kapatid. Dagan mi sa Davao kung naa mi’y problema, mga taga Davao anhi sad mo diri para magpahalipay (Adopt us. Make us your sibling. We run to Davao when we have a problem, and people of Davao can come here to relax),” Rabat said.
She thanked Davao City for accepting Mati City as its sister city, which she said is welcome news to all Matinians as Davao City has all the solutions to their problems.
“Treat us as an extension of your backyard and home – magkakapatid, nagtutulungan.”
“Treat us as an extension of your backyard and home – magkakapatid, nagtutulungan (as siblings help each other),” Rabat said.
The partnership between the two cities will focus on environmental protection and conservation, heritage preservation and culture, agriculture, and eco-tourism.
Mati City expressed its interest in the agreement during a visit to the Davao City Investment Promotion Center in October 2022, which was welcomed by Mayor Duterte.
The Davao City International Relations Board then held a meeting on November 15, 2022, to discuss the sisterhood agreement, which the members approved.
To authorize the city mayor to sign the sister agreement between the two cities, Davao City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance through Committee on International Relations chair Councilor Augusto Javier Campos III. The ordinance was approved under suspended rules during the January 10, 2023 regular session.
The sisterhood agreement between Davao City and Mati City is a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation and deepening the understanding of each other.
This partnership will provide opportunities for the two cities to work together towards common goals and achieve mutual benefits.
