Trip to Philippines Supports Vaughan's Friendship with Baguio City

Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati and Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate will travel to Baguio City, Philippines, February 23 and 24 to celebrate the Flower Festival known as the ‘Panagbenga’ – the Season of Blooming. The City of Vaughan received an official invitation from Baguio City’s Mayor to attend the festival and help commemorate the 15th anniversary of the twinning of Vaughan and Baguio City. The City of Vaughan and Baguio City are Friendship Cities, a partnership established to promote social, cultural and educational exchanges.

“I want to extend my very best wishes to our Friendship City Baguio for a wonderful celebration,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “As a multicultural community, the City of Vaughan proudly embraces its diversity and the many ways it enriches our community. As our City continues to grow and change, it is important to continue these relationships and expand our reach on an international level. We treasure and cherish the relationship we have with our Filipino community.”

Deputy Mayor Rosati and Councillor Iafrate will participate in two special events during the visit – the Street Dancing Parade and the Grand Float Parade. They will also meet with the Mayor of Baguio City, Mauricio G. Domogan, the Vice-Mayor, the City Council, and the Baguio Economic Development Authority. The trip will include a visit to Vaughan’s Twin City Monument in Celebration Park and meetings with the Canada Trade Mission and Baguio Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a great opportunity to visit our Friendship City and participate in these wonderful events,” said Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati. “The City of Vaughan has a special relationship with Baguio City and it is important to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and acknowledge the ties between our two cities.”

The Mayor of Baguio City visited Vaughan in October of 2012 to mark the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship Agreement. Prior to that, Deputy Mayor Rosati travelled to Baguio in September 2009 to celebrate its 100th year as a Chartered City and to participate in the Sister Cities and Town Twinning Summit.

Baguio City is located 250 kilometres north of Manila, in the province of Benguet. It has a population of 300,000 and is known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” Baguio City is a major educational centre, home to seven colleges and universities, as well as a tourism centre. It is also a commercial centre involved in the distribution of agricultural products and minerals, and home to several major industries.