| Friendship AgreementThe Friendship Agreement then called “twinning initiative” started on November 26, 1994 at the Association’s Christmas party. Mrs. Maria Alvero, then Trade Commissioner, was the guest speaker and she spoke about trade and investments opportunities and expressed the Philippines’ interest in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Canada. Her Worship, Mayor Lorna Jackson, was also at the party and she responded that the City of Vaughan is also interested in strengthening ties with cities in other countries, particularly those whose people have chosen Vaughan in which to live. There are more than 3,000 Filipinos living in the City of Vaughan.The Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) pursued the twinning initiative and researched for an ideal city following the criteria set forth by the Economic Development of Vaughan. The criteria included population, industry, transportation and communication. The city that best fitted the criteria was Baguio City, hence it was selected.In May 1995, an overview of Baguio City was presented before the Vaughan International Partnership Group. Delegates from other countries like Italy, Korea, and China also presented their respective cities. Consequently, a letter was sent to Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
In September 1995, Consul General Santos, Mrs. Alvero and Erlinda Insigne appeared before Vaughan Council and requested the City Council to seriously consider the proposal to establish a Friendship Agreement between Baguio City and the City of Vaughan.
Baguio City Councillor Virgilio Bautista visited the City of Vaughan and held an exploratory talk with Mayor Jackson and Vaughan Council in June 1996.
In November 1996, Baguio City Council passed Resolution #410 establishing a Sisterhood Relationship between Baguio City and the City of Vaughan.
Erlinda Insigne traveled to Baguio City and paid a courtesy call to Mayor Domogan and the Baguio City Council in December 1996. At that time, Mayor Domogan invited Vaughan Mayor Jackson to visit Baguio City.
On February 24, 1997, the FCAV, along with Consul General Santos and other Vaughan Filipino Associations, with letters, petitions and signatures went to the City of Vaughan and again appeared before Vaughan Council. Consul General Santos, Erlinda Insigne and Roy Sumabat (president of Bayanihan) spoke. After a few questions and answers, a motion was unanimously approved to establish a Friendship Agreement between Baguio City, Philippines and the City of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Consequently, Consul General Santos issued a press release.
On April 25, 1997, Vaughan Mayor Jackson and party traveled to Baguio City to sign the Friendship Agreement with Baguio Mayor Domogan. The signing was held at The Mansion House, summer home of then President Fidel Ramos.
On October 30, 1997, Baguio City Mayor Domogan and party traveled to the City of Vaughan to sign the Friendship Agreement with Vaughan Mayor Jackson. |
