October 15, 2025 (Danao City) — The City Government of Danao officially welcomes Itako City
from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, marking the beginning of a promising partnership between the two
local governments.

Itako City now joins Danao’s growing network of Japanese partner and friendship cities, which
include Daigo, Namegata, Kashima, and Yokohama.

The visiting delegation from Itako is led by Mayor Hiromichi Hara, joined by City Council
President Susumu Omine, Superintendent of Education Hiroaki Sato, Superintendent of Education
Seiichi Hara, Board of Education Manager Masuo Yoshikawa, and Achievegoal Director Shogo
Kawabata.

The visit signifies both cities’ commitment to strengthen cooperation grounded in mutual respect
and shared goals in education, culture, governance, and economic growth.
The delegation’s itinerary began with a courtesy visit to MinebeaMitsumi Inc. Danao, followed by
a luncheon at Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark.

They also visited Colegio de San Antonio de Padua, home of passers and topnotchers, and the
Ramon M. Durano Sr. Foundation – Science and Technology Education Center (RMDSF–
STEC)— Danao’s only science high school and one of the top-performing public schools in the
city, proving that access to free, quality education is possible.

The visit culminated in a formal meeting at Danao City Hall with local officials led by Mayor
Ramon “Nito” Durano III, members of the City Council, and former Investment and Promotions
Officer Red Durano— marking the initial phase of collaboration between Danao and Itako.

In his message, Mayor Durano highlighted Danao’s readiness to engage globally:

“This [sending Danawanon English teachers to various locations across Japan] is our humble
contribution to a rapidly globalizing world. This role is not new to our city. At the onset of
industrialization, coal was our biggest resource, powering major industries not only in our country
but also overseas. From the coal mines, our humble community grew and industries opened—
making Danao an industrial hub in the north.”

The City Government of Danao continues to foster international cooperation through strategic
partnerships that promote learning, innovation, and global engagement— making Danao a futureready and opportunity-driven city, here and now. //

 

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