PHISTA Held Conference in Guam

Focusing on the objective of promoting and sustaining friendship, goodwill and understanding among PHISTA members and local governments on the Pacific Island, the Philippines International Sisterhood and Twinning Association (PHISTA) headed by National President and Municipal Mayor of San Luis, Hon. Annabelle C. Tangson in collaboration with the Association of Pacific Island Local Governments (APILG) led by President and Municipal Mayor of Agana Heights, Guam, Hon. Paul McDonald held its 2009 International Exchange and Cooperation Conference on February 5-7, 2009 at the Fiesta Resort Guam in Tumon, Guam, It was attended by more than a hundred delegates from various local government units in the Philippines and Guam.

The conference was highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipal Government of San Luis, Province of Aurora and the Municipal Government of Agana Heights, Municipal Government of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon, Government of Guam, USA, concerning sister city cooperation for the development of the said municipalities in the following fields: (a) Trade and economic Development: (b) Education, Culture, Youth and Sports; (c) Environmental Management; (d) Transportation and Tourism; (e) Human Resources, Sciences and Technology; (f) Other fields that will be mutually agreed upon the parties.

Likewise, opening of the showcase booths from local governments in the Philippines was then highlighted during the first day of the conference. The affair was formally opened by Mayor Paul McDonald, conference host, who then welcomed the guests and participants in Guam; He also mentioned that the event is the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship between the Philippines and the Pacific Island in the United States, PHISTA National President and San Luis Mayor, Hon. Annabelle C. Tangson delivered her message PHISTA; Accelerating Opportunities for Multi Sectional Exchange and Cooperation, she also discussed on how to apply for membership to PHISTA.

The conference’s Guest of Honor was Capt. Ulysses Zalamea, deputy director of the U.S. Department’s Joint Guam Program Office. In his keynote message, he discussed about the military build up in Guam that will bring opportunities to the Filipinos in terms of manpower requirements for construction, construction supplies, etc.