ONE of the visions of Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite, upon his administrative succession as the Municipal Mayor of Valencia, is to trace historical roots and linkages to strengthen the historical foundation of Valencia in order to create opportunities to share cultural insights and developmental strategies.
Valencia City, Bukidnon came as one of those withhistorical linkages with Valencia, Bohol. Before becoming a city after the ratification of Republic Act 8985 in January 12, 2001, Valencia got its name from the place of origin of the first teacher who taught in a one-classroom school of the community, Mr. Leon Galorport or Valencia, Bohol.
Mayor Balite then proposed to instill a Sisterhood between the City of Valencia, Bukidnon and the Municipality of Valencia, Bohol, to further strengthen and maximize efforts towards understanding, through people-to-people interaction in the areas of culture, education, new technology, commerce, trade, agriculture, ecology and local governance.
Through joint efforts, a pact was signed and sealed by Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite and Mayor Azucena Huervas at the Uno Hotel in Valencia City, Bukidnon last Friday, January 12, 2024. Witnessed by the City Government of Valencia CIty, Bukidnon and the Sangguniang Bayan of Valencia, Bohol, a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Valencias served as one of the highlights of the 23rd Charter Day of Valencia City, Bukidnon.
Prior to the Ceremonial Contract Signing, Valencia, Bohol welcomed the proponent’s team during their SGLG tour with the Department Heads and Officials of the City Government of Valencia, Bukidnon in Bohol last October. Such warm welcome was reciprocated this time, during the visit of the Valencia, Bohol party in Bukidnon. Though it was a brief encounter, both parties have expressed positive responses and anticipation brought about the strengthened pact to exchange best practices, ideas and programs for one Valencia.
The pact also plans to propose Sisterhood with Valencia, Negros Oriental to instill a Tri-Valencia pact with one goal, a better Valencia. (Vanessa Coronel)
