Officials from Kashima City, Japan, led by Mayor Hon.
Shinichi Taguchi, visit Danao City today for the formal signing of a Sisterhood Agreement
between the two cities. This historic partnership marks the beginning of a long-term international
collaboration for both localities, focused on cultural, educational, sports, economic and
environmental initiatives.

 
The day begins with Mayor Taguchi and the Kashima delegation visiting the Ramon M. Durano
Sr. Foundation Science and Technology Education Center (RMDSF-STEC), where they engage
with students, observe educational activities and exchange insights with school administrators.
Following this, the visitors immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Danao City at Tawsan
Mangrove Forest Eco Park, experiencing firsthand the city’s community-based tourism and
environmental efforts.

 
At the heart of the day is the ceremonial signing at the Danao City Hall, attended by local officials,
department heads and community representatives. Danao City Mayor Hon. Thomas Mark “Mix”
Durano, in his message, emphasizes the importance of learning from Kashima City’s models of
economic progress. Like Danao City, Kashima is a port city, thriving through industrial and
tourism advancements. “This partnership not only benefits our city but extends opportunities to
neighboring local government units,” Mayor Durano says.

 
City Councilor Ivy Durano also shares her perspective on the partnership’s significance: “As
response personally, we will be like sponge and absorb all the learnings that will be shared by
Kashima City to us. Experience is always the best teacher, and we are excited to learn. As my
brother and mayor Mix Durano always say on his speeches, there is growth in learning, the more
we learn as a community, the more we grow as a city. We are not trying to be the best, but we are
trying to be better every day.”

 
In addition to the Sisterhood Agreement, a Facilitating Agency Agreement is also signed between
the City of Danao and Achieve Goal Co., Ltd., represented by CEO Shuichiro Atsumi. The agency
plays a crucial role in facilitating the deployment of qualified teachers from Danao City to
Kashima, furthering the shared vision of educational excellence.

 
Aside from Mayor Taguchi and CEO Atsumi, the Japanese delegation includes several
distinguished officials: Chairperson of the City Council, Masabumi Uchida; Director of Citizens
Affairs Division, Kiyosumi Tamura; Director of the Board of Education, Hideki Osawa; Assistant
Director of the Education Guidance Division, Yoshiyuki Mizuno; and Section Chief of
Community Development Promotion Division, Mizue Kanazawa. Also present are representatives
from Achieve Goal Co., Ltd., including Board Director Shogo Kawabata and Assistant Kotoko
Sueyoshi.

 
Following the signing, Mayor Taguchi and his delegation visit another esteemed educational
institution in Danao City, the Cebu Technological University – Danao Campus, to continue
engaging with students and explore further avenues for educational collaboration.
Mayor Durano expresses optimism about this international collaboration that lays out plans for
cultural exchange, sports development, language teaching, job opportunities, tourism promotion,
business linkages and sharing of best practices. “This is just the beginning; there will be more to
come, and Danao City is MORE THAN READY to work and partner with Kashima City in
achieving our renewed goal, which is to become a Model for Sustainable Development,” he states.
Mayor Taguchi also expresses his gratitude and excitement, acknowledging the warm hospitality
extended by the people of Danao City and looking forward to a fruitful collaboration. “With the
many exchanges, we will be able to respect and deepen our understanding, which will not only
lead to the development of both cities but also in the deepening of our friendship.”

 
The event concludes with an exchange of tokens, symbolizing the start of a meaningful and
enduring partnership that fosters understanding, cooperation and economic growth, HERE AND
NOW.