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In pursuit of its development and growth as a city, the local officials and department heads of Panabo City, headed by Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr., visited the Municipality of Cateel to propose a sisterhood agreement last January 15-16, 2010 at the Sanguniang Bayan building, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

After appreciating the attractions and investment sites of the locality, the visit culminated with a joint session between the Municipal Council of Cateel presided by Vice Mayor Isidro S. Castro and the City Council of Panabo City led by Hon. Alan G. Piedad, who was appointed to co-preside in the absence of Vice Mayor James G. Gamao during the session proper.

Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr. said that the conference will discuss the possibility of a sisterhood agreement with the Municipality of Cateel to encourage the sharing of best practices and resources thereby contributing positively to the progress and prosperity of the two LGUs. The sisterhood agreement with the Municipality of Cateel will be formed akin to the arrangement made with Makati City last July 7, 2008.

The preliminary conference touched on general information only with specific details to be discussed at a future date considering that some of the arrangements in the sisterhood agreement might need the approval of the august body. In the end, both LGUs have agreed to finalize and firm up decisions for sisterhood at Panabo City on February this year.

One of the highlights of the discussion is the possibility of providing assistance in terms of logistics to the Municipality of Cateel as a potential area for developing a mariculture park due to its coastal location. With this sharing of knowledge and technology, Panabo City also aims to study Cateel’s eco-tourism program for potential application with the proposed JP Laurel eco-tourism site. The sustained banana industry of Panabo City was also discussed during the meeting as it is one of the major economic boosters of the city. It is expected that LGU Cateel will send a researcher to Panabo to study its viability and profitability in their hometown.

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Cateel, through their Vice Mayor Isidro Castro, said that the visit was a meaningful event wherein both LGUs will try to explore possible bilateral arrangements which could help uplift the economy of both LGUs.