Aiming to continue the partnership they have forged for almost eight years, the local governments of Mandaluyong City and Tanauan, Leyte renewed their sisterhood agreement in a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 26.

The renewed agreement was signed by Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Tanauan Municipal Mayor Gina Merilo at the City Hall Executive Building Atrium.
Witnesses to the signing included Mandaluyong City Vice Mayor Carmelita "Menchie" Abalos, and Tanauan Vice Mayor Archie Kapunan, as well as the Sangguniang Kabataan members, city councilors and department heads of the city and municipality.

Merilo was also given a key to the city by Abalos.
The renewal reaffirms the close friendship and ties that Mandaluyong City and the municipality of Tanauan have developed.
It also served as a benchmarking activity for the local governments to further share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences in implementing programs, projects, and promoting good governance in their areas.
Honored guests were welcomed by Mandaluyong City officials and treated to performances by local dance groups prior to the signing.

The two local governments first formalized their partnership in 2014. The initial agreement was signed by former Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. and former Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson Jr.
Aside from Tanauan, Leyte, the Mandaluyong City government signed sisterhood agreements with two other municipalities early 2022 – Boac, Marinduque and Hermosa, Bataan.
Former Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos and former Boac Mayor Armi Carrion signed their agreement on Feb. 22.
Meanwhile, Abalos and former Hermosa Mayor Antonio Joseph "Jopet" Inton signed theirs on March 7.