Vaughan celebrates 20 years of friendship with Baguio City, Philippines
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City
welcomes delegation to mark anniversary of international partnership
The City of Vaughan celebrated
a special anniversary today as it marked 20 years of friendship with Baguio City,
Philippines. The international partnership was established in 1997 to promote
social, cultural and educational exchanges. Since then, four official
delegations from Baguio City have visited Vaughan, with the most recent being
in October 2012 to mark the 15th anniversary.
Mayor Maurizio
Bevilacqua and Members of Council welcomed an
eight-person delegation at an official event to commemorate the 20th
anniversary of the signing of the agreement. Dignitaries included the Mayor of
Baguio City, Mauricio Domogan, and other government officials. The visit,
organized by the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan, took guests on a
tour of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) – the City’s new downtown – and
the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. It ended with the signing of a
certificate to commemorate the milestone.
Councillors
have made a number of visits to Baguio City, including in 2009 for its
centennial celebration and the inauguration of the Global Garden. At that time,
Vaughan’s Twin City Monument was erected in Celebration Park to represent
elements symbolic of Vaughan and Canada. Another visit took place in 2013 to
celebrate the
Flower Festival known as the ‘Panagbenga’ – the Season of Blooming – and to
meet with the Baguio Economic Development Authority.
QUOTE
“We recognize the role other countries play in influencing our city. The
friendship between Vaughan and Baguio City serves as an example of the co-operation and connection that
we have as part of the global community. It is an honour to welcome Mayor
Domogan and this delegation to Vaughan. By celebrating this milestone, we are
reaffirming the special relationship we have with Baguio City. One of our greatest
strengths is our diversity, and we value the contributions of the Filipino
community. I want to express my sincere
gratitude to the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan, which has worked
hard to cultivate the connection between our communities.”
-Mayor Maurizio
Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Baguio City is located 250 kilometres north of Manila, in the province of Benguet. It has a population of more than 345,000.
- Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.”
- Baguio City is a major educational centre, home to seven universities and colleges.
- The Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan was established in 1990. It was instrumental in Vaughan signing an agreement with Baguio City in 1997. The Philippine Heritage Marching Band is an award-winning band that performs at event in Canada and the United States, including the Toronto Santa Claus parade.
LEARN MORE
- City of Vaughan’s Economic Development webpage
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council with the Baguio City delegation.
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Mayor Mauricio Domogan sign certificate to commemorate anniversary.