LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Feb. 29 (PIA) – The city government of Laoag and the Country of Honolulu, Hawaii reaffirmed their long-standing partnership by renewing their sisterhood agreement on Monday, Feb. 26.
 
Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon and Mr. Tommy Waters, chairman of the Honolulu City Council, led the signing of the renewal of sisterhood ties to reaffirm their commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation.
 
According to Keon, the partnership between the two cities promises tangible benefits in exchanging information on programs in the areas of climate change, emergency preparedness and management, and sustainable agriculture.
 
Both cities also see potential in the exchange of knowledge in the commercial and academic sectors, especially in studies of digital technology, green technology, financial services, business operations, sustainability,  biotechnology, and improved tourism sector.
 
The local chief executive also sees possible exchange programs to foster stronger ties between the cultural and academic institutions in both cities. 

“It is a common fact that there is a significant Ilocano community in Hawaii where they constitute more than 85 percent of the Filipino population. Through this renewed commitment, Laoag City and Honolulu City stand poised to embark on a journey of shared progress, where the exchange of ideas, resources, and goodwill will continue to enrich the lives of our citizens and foster a brighter future for generations to come,” Mayor Keon said.
 
Moreover, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Honolulu council member and chair of the executive matters and legal affairs committee and transportation committee, says they will be pushing for the return of the Honolulu to Laoag City direct flights to further strengthen the economic and tourism ties of the two cities.
 
The sisterhood agreement was first established in 1969.

Some officials of the city government of Laoag are also scheduled to visit the County of Honolulu this year for benchmarking activities. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)