1eg2FF strengthens ties Zith 3amSanga

NEGROS Occidental strengthened its economic and trade relations with Pampanga to further boost the growth and development of the two provinces.

Governors Alfredo Marañon Jr. of Negros Occidental and Lilia Pineda of Pampanga signed the sisterhood agreement between the two provinces at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Friday, December 15.

The signing of the pact was witnessed by the provincial officials of both provinces.

Marañon said the two provinces have many things in common such as food and culture.

He said the sisterhood pact is a “win-win” situation for both provinces.

“We can learn from them, they can also learn from us,” the governor added.

Marañon said it’s a start of a new relationship, and “I’m sure this will grow.”

The people will benefit from the ties, he said.

Marañon also said the strength of Negros Occidental is aquaculture, adding that Negrenses could teach their counterparts about their best practices.

Pineda said there are many Pampangueños living in Negros Occidental and there are also many Negrenses based in her province.

She said the two provinces are very much alike and “we will share our best practices.”

Aside from aquaculture, Pineda said she wanted to follow the programs implemented by the Negros Occidental provincial government. A resident crosses a flooded commercial street in Calbiga, Samar after the Calbiga River overflowed on Friday. Tropical storm Urduja batters the Eastern Visayas region this weekend, knocking out power supply and isolating villages amid floods. (Photo by Era Mae Abelido Hernandez)