19 August 2005 -- The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija and the City of Davis, California in the United States established a  sister-city partnership after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on 07 June 2005 in Davis, California, USA.

Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez and members of the City Council of the city of Davis witnessed the signing of the Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding between Mayor Ruth Uy Asmundson of Davis, California  and Mayor Nestor L. Alvarez of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.   The Nueva Ecija mayor was accompanied by Dr. Isagani Sarmiento, CEO of Crumbs Engineering, to Davis.

Mayor Asmundson and Mayor Alvarez agreed to promote collaborative exchanges and mutual friendship in the fields of industry, economy, culture and environment with mutual respect and appreciation of traditions and each other’s cultures. The two cities will also endeavor to engage in programs and projects especially on matters relating to agriculture, arts, culture, and affordable housing in pursuit of their citizens’ prosperity.

Sister-city international partnership is one approach in promoting hometown and bayan-to-bayan projects and activities in conjunction with national development efforts to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development.  Partnerships and cooperative endeavors are instruments for peaceful and harmonious relationships.

Consul General Sanchez said the Consulate is vigorously promoting the establishment of new sister-city partnerships with cities within the Consulate’s areas of jurisdiction and counterpart cities or municipalities in the Philippines.   The Consul General added that sister-city partnerships already in existence at  San Francisco and the Bay Area are being harnessed for  enhanced capability as the Consulate’s  partners for national economic security. END