Zamora conducts consultations in Northern Mindanao, Caraga region

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who is also national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), conducted a two-day series of consultations with member cities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region on July 29 and 30, discussing priority national government programs and concerns affecting local governments while strengthening inter-LGU cooperation through sisterhood agreements between San Juan City and the cities of El Salvador, Gingoog, Bayugan, and Butuan.

The mission formed part of the LCP’s continuing nationwide consultations aimed at bringing the concerns of member cities directly to the National Government, particularly on the implementation of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the Free Rice Distribution Program, the National Classroom Building Program, and other priority programs affecting cities across the country.

Misamis Oriental: El Salvador and Gingoog

The two-day mission began on July 29 at the El Salvador Little Theater, El Salvador City Hall, where Mayor Zamora met with local officials led by Mayor Edgar S. Lignes for the first LCP consultation of the trip.

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Following the consultation, the City Government of San Juan and the City Government of El Salvador formalized a sisterhood agreement establishing cooperation in governance, tourism, education, disaster resilience, digital transformation, economic development, healthcare, sports, and other areas of mutual interest.

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Mayor Lignes described the partnership as an important milestone for El Salvador City, saying it opens new opportunities to collaborate with San Juan in areas that directly benefit their constituents.

“This sisterhood agreement is an investment in our future. Through this partnership with San Juan City, we gain another trusted partner in public service, allowing us to exchange ideas, learn from each other’s successes, and pursue programs that will improve the quality of life of our people,” Mayor Lignes said.

In the afternoon, Mayor Zamora proceeded to the Penthouse of the Gingoog City Hall Complex, where he met with local officials led by Mayor Erick G. Cañosa for another LCP consultation.

The City Government of San Juan and the City Government of Gingoog subsequently signed their own sisterhood agreement aimed at promoting the exchange of best practices and strengthening collaboration between the two cities.

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Mayor Cañosa welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among local governments.

“No city succeeds in isolation. By forging this partnership with San Juan City, we strengthen our capacity to innovate, improve governance, and deliver better services to our people. We look forward to building a lasting relationship founded on mutual respect, shared learning, and common aspirations for progress,” Mayor Cañosa said.

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Mayor Zamora said the engagements in Misamis Oriental demonstrated how the LCP consultations and San Juan’s sisterhood initiatives complement each other in strengthening local governance.

“Every sisterhood agreement we sign is a commitment to move beyond friendship and toward meaningful collaboration. By sharing our experiences, innovations, and best practices, we strengthen not only our individual cities but also local governance across the country. At the same time, our LCP consultations ensure that the voices of our member cities are heard and reflected in national policies and programs,” Mayor Zamora said.

Caraga: Bayugan and Butuan

On July 30, Mayor Zamora continued the mission in the Caraga Region, beginning in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Before the LCP consultation, Mayor Zamora served as guest speaker during the city’s Nutrition Month Celebration at the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium. Addressing hundreds of students, teachers, nutrition workers, and local officials, the former athlete underscored the importance of proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, and making healthy choices.

Drawing from his experience in sports, Mayor Zamora encouraged students to develop discipline through proper nutrition and regular physical activity. He also cautioned the youth against illegal drugs, urging them to remain focused on their studies, pursue their passions, and become responsible citizens who will contribute to nation-building.

Following the program, Mayor Zamora proceeded to the Mayor’s Office Conference Room at Bayugan City Hall, where he met with Mayor Kirk Asis and local officials for the LCP consultation.

Mayor Zamora stressed that the continuing consultations strengthen the LCP as the collective voice of the country’s cities and provide local chief executives with a direct avenue for raising concerns with the National Government.

“As National President of the League of Cities, it is important that we continue listening to our member cities and serve as an effective bridge between local governments and the National Government. Every consultation gives us the opportunity to raise the concerns of our cities, follow up important national programs, and ensure that the voices of local governments are heard where decisions are made,” Mayor Zamora said.

Mayor Asis echoed the importance of the League’s role under Mayor Zamora’s leadership.

“Ang dami nang naitulong ni Mayor Francis sa lahat ng ginawa niya para sa 149 cities all over the country. Lahat ng follow-ups sa Malacañang at sa ating National Government, talagang tinututukan niya. Alam ninyo, bihira akong makakita ng isang mayor o president ng isang organization na katulad niya na talagang nagpa-follow up sa National Government para sa kapakanan ng local government units. He is our voice for the local government units. Sinasabi ko ito dahil ang mga ginagawa niya ay hindi lang para sa mga cities kundi para rin sa ating mga barangay. Ang mga benepisyong ipinaglalaban niya ay umaabot hanggang sa grassroots,” Mayor Asis said.

Following the consultation, Mayor Zamora and Mayor Asis formally signed the sisterhood agreement between the City Government of San Juan and the City Government of Bayugan at the Mayor’s Office Conference Room.

The agreement commits both cities to strengthen cooperation in governance, public service, tourism, education, healthcare, disaster preparedness, digital innovation, economic development, sports, and other areas of mutual interest while promoting the exchange of best practices for the benefit of their constituents.

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The mission then proceeded to Butuan City, where Mayor Zamora toured the National Museum of the Philippines-Butuan and the Balangay Shrine Museum before proceeding to City Hall. /cb