Talks on for Sta. Rosa, Laguna – Toyokawa, Japan twinning agreement

MANILA, July 4 (PNA) -- Talks are in place for a twinning agreement between Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Toyokawa City in Japan.

This development was revealed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) after it facilitated the initial meeting between the local government officials of the said jurisdictions.

"We're optimistic that forthcoming talks between the two cities will eventually lead to a more formal cooperative program that will bring mutual benefits. The Department decided that Sta. Rosa and Toyokawa would make a perfect match in terms of their local industries," said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno led a six-man delegation accompanied by DOT Region IV Director Louella Jurilla in their initial conference with Toyokawa City Mayor Minoru Yamawaki.

"We had a very productive meeting with our counterparts in Toyokawa City. Plans for arranging a sister cityhood is very plausible since our development goals tie up well," shared Mayor Arcillas.

Arcillas further reported that they have invited the Toyokawa government officials to visit her jurisdiction to continue the exchange and work towards finalizing the agreement.

The twinning agreement would focus on the transfer of knowledge and technology that would mutually develop their domestic industries, which is dominated by manufacturing. The cooperation would also include tourism, cultural and academic exchanges. Venues for discussing local governance and policy will also be explored.

Sta. Rosa is a 1st Class City in the Laguna province. Dubbed the "Investment Capital of South Luzon," the city is host to the manufacturing plants of several Japanese multinational companies, including Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. Foodstuff producer Monde Nissin Corporation also has a facility located in Sta. Rosa's Barangay Balibago.

Sta. Rosa is also known as the site of Enchanted Kingdom, one of the major theme parks in the Philippines, as well as several housing developments.