Davao City, Philippines — In a bid to strengthen international ties and promote cultural and economic collaboration, Davao City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hamamatsu City, Japan, establishing a formal sister city relationship. The MOU signing ceremony took place on October 29 at the Matina Enclaves, with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Hamamatsu Mayor Yusuke Nakano leading the event. Key officials from both cities, including delegates from the Hamamatsu City Government and representatives from Davao City’s local government, attended the historic occasion.
Courtesy of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte Facebook page.
The sister city agreement aims to enhance cooperation between Davao and Hamamatsu across various sectors, including education, academia, economy, and investment. With this new partnership, both cities seek to develop mutually beneficial programs, promote cultural exchange, and explore avenues for economic growth.
“This partnership symbolizes not just a diplomatic agreement but a shared commitment to progress and cross-cultural understanding,” said Mayor Duterte. “We look forward to working closely with Hamamatsu in enriching the lives of our citizens and bringing growth opportunities to both our cities.”
For Hamamatsu, known for its advanced industries and rich cultural heritage, the sister city partnership with Davao offers a platform to further extend its global connections. Mayor Nakano emphasized Hamamatsu’s eagerness to foster ties that will benefit both cities, saying, “This collaboration provides a bridge that will connect our communities, sharing not only our knowledge and resources but also our aspirations for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
The partnership with Hamamatsu City is Davao City’s third sister city relationship in Japan, following agreements with Sennan City and Kitakyushu City. As Davao continues to build its network of international partners, this new agreement is expected to provide a foundation for enhanced trade, educational exchanges, and cultural programs between the two cities.
The event concluded with an exchange of tokens and a shared commitment to advancing projects that will benefit the citizens of both Davao and Hamamatsu. With the new sister city relationship, Davao City looks forward to fostering a dynamic and enduring partnership with Hamamatsu City.
