A sisterhood agreement between the city and Mati City, capital of Davao Oriental, was forged to promote cooperation between them on March 31.
Signing the agreement were Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat.
Duterte mentioned that Mati has something invaluable and intangible to offer, which is not present in Davao City and that the agreement was just a formality, as both cities have been supporting each other for several years.
Rabat said the agreement was a dream come true because Davao City is like a big sister to her city since it has been helping them for several years. 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,” Rabat said.
Rabat 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. She added, “Treat us as an extension of your backyard and home – magkakapatid, nagtutulungan.”
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 Duterte.
The sisterhood agreement between the two cities is a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation and deepening the understanding of each other, they said in a statement. This partnership will provide opportunities for the two cities to work together towards common goals and achieve mutual benefits, they added.
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.“
