Officials of the Dumaguete City government and Yeongdong-gun, South Korea have vowed to improve the sisterhood ties between the cities to promote relations and programs for agriculture, culture, education, and tourism in a conference in the city.
Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo said the ongoing seasonal farmworkers training program has provided the city residents with livelihood opportunities.
“Almost 200 families will acquire new skills in agriculture before we send them to work in Korea,” said Remollo.
He also underscored the need for the concerned officials to ensure that the welfare of the workers/trainees will remain the priority.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jeong Young Chul of Yeongdong-gun expressed appreciation for the contributions of the farm trainees from Dumaguete City in the agricultural development of Yeongdong.
He also reiterated the strong resolve of his administration to further enhance the friendly relations between the two cities and student exchange.
Yeongdong-gun is known to produce quality grapes with a high sugar content and a sweet aroma. Thus, it is home to the best wineries in South Korea.
Meanwhile, a team of students and teachers also joined the conference as part of the youth exchange program to showcase the traditional music and art of South Korea for the Filipino audience.
The students and teachers from Yeongdong South Korea performed their traditional music before an enthusiastic audience at the Dumaguete City National High School (DCNHS).
DCNHS students also showcased their talents with the presentation of popular Filipino songs and dances to the delight of the visiting dignitaries.
The Musical Exchange Program promotes the culture and traditions of both countries to strengthen the friendly sister city relationship forged since 2009.
“Dumaguete has been invited to international music festival in Yeongdong next year that may include DCNHS students and teachers, who can proudly represent the city, in particular, in the event that will gather the best traditional musicians from other countries for a world-class exposition,” said Remollo.
“We would like to thank you for the warm welcome and hopefully the Korean Musical Exchange Program, which is part of the sister city agreement between Yeongdong and Dumaguete, will be sustained,” Chul said.
The group also visited four school campuses in Dumaguete as part of their academic tour and cultural exchange to promote friendship ties with the Philippines.
Yeongdong officials donated Hanbok (Korean traditional dress) and musical instruments to DCHNS, represented by Department of Education (DepEd) Dumaguete assistant schools division superintendent Dr. Edmark Ian L. Cabio, principal Dr. Claudio Sun, and teachers. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)