12 December 2005 -- The Philippine Consulate General Sydney reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Parramatta City Council delegation headed by Lord Mayor David Borger will visit Cebu City from 12-17 January 2006 as a guest of Mayor Tomas Osmena and the Cebu City Council, which will be an opportunity to promote tourism as the Australian officials will witness the Sinulog Festival and explore opportunities for trade, tourism and people-to-people exchange as part of efforts to revitalize the eight-year Sister City Agreement.

Consul General Ma. Theresa Lazaro has lauded the upcoming visit, saying that: "As we renew our ties with the only Australia sister-city, the Philippines looks forward to a dynamic, deeper and exciting era of relations through increased people-to-people contacts and exchanges. We hope that the mutual goodwill, respect and the tangible and intangible benefits established and obtained as a result of the visit will become a shining example for future sister-city arrangements between our countries".

The visit was arranged by the Philippine Consulate General in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Sydney Office and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Sydney.

The City of Cebu and Parramatta City in New South Wales, Australia signed the Agreement on 18 June 1997 at Cebu City by former mayors Alvin B. Garcia and John C. Books. It is by far, the first-ever and the only sister-city agreement entered into by a Philippine City in Australia.

Parramatta City is located 24 kilometers west of the City of Sydney and is the second oldest European settlement in Australia. It is considered as Sydney's satellite city, having the second largest Central Business District in New South Wales and where several major state government offices are also located. Around 3,000 Filipino-Australians live in the city, which is currently experiencing a construction boom, indicating a dynamic local economy.

Parramatta has shown its commitment in fostering the sister-city relationship by hosting a flag-raising ceremony with the Consulate and the Filipino Community during the Philippine National Day celebration every June. The City has also supported Pasko sa Parramatta, a Christmas fair and celebration undertaken by the community every November, now in its fourth year.

The delegation is expected to also meet with Mr. Joel Yu, managing director of the Cebu Investments Promotion Center to explore and discuss possible economic opportunities. A networking session for a number of Australian delegates from the business, government, sports, religious sectors is also being scheduled where they can meet their Philippine counterparts. END