THE City of San Fernando (CSF) and Baliwag town plan to have sisterhood ties between their local government units.
It is a win-win relationship that will benefit both Fernandinos and Baliuageños, as described by City Mayor Edwin Santiago and Baliwag Mayor Ferdinand Estrella on the planned ties.
The planned official pact came after the visit of officials and employees of the local government of Baliwag in the city on Thursday, October 12, to benchmark some of its best practices in good governance.
Estrella said San Fernando is one of the most awarded cities in the country for good governance in terms of economic, tourism and education, among others.
"Ang San Fernando ay talaga namang kinilala sa kanyang mga best practices at good governance at ang maging sister city sila ay malaking karangalan po para sa bayan ng Baliwag (San Fernando is known for its best practices and good governance and being their sister city is a big honor for the municipality of Baliwag)," he said.
Estrella added that the sisterhood pact will be beneficial to the foreseen cityhood of Baliwag.
"Lahat po ng requirements para maging siyudad ay naipasa na po nang Baliwag at umaasa po ako na 'yung mga natitira pang proseso ay matulungan kami ng San Fernando dahil napagdaanan po nila ito (All the requirements for Baliwag to become a city have been passed and we are hoping that San Fernando will help us in the remaining processes as they have gone through this)," he said.
Meanwhile, Estrella said the local government of Baliwag may also offer other good practices and way of governance which can be advantageous to San Fernando.
Santiago, for his part, said the city always welcomes any partnership that will be beneficial to the City Government and Fernandinos.
He noted that sisterhood ties will always be fruitful for both local governments as it is aimed at assisting each other, especially during needy times.
"Baliwag is just within the region, ilang kilometro lang ang layo sa San Fernando. Madali tayong makakatawid sa isa't-isa lalo na tuwing may kalamidad. Inaasahan natin na magiging mabuti ang ugnayan ng ating siyudad at ng Baliwag (a few kilometers away from San Fernando. We can easily cross to each other when disaster strikes. We expect a good connection between our city and Baliwag)," he said.
Santiago also noted his similarity with Estrella whose passion for true public service is very evident.
He cited his administration's tagline "Fernandino First" to Estrella's administration "Serbisyong May Puso" which both showcase the love for their respective hometowns and constituents.
