The Marikina City local government and committee delegation from Jinniu District in Chengdu, China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish friendship and cooperation ties.

The Jinniu District Committee delegation were welcomed by Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, Vice Mayor Marion Andres, the 10th City Council, other local government officials and personnel, along with representatives from the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

Among the signatories to the MOU were Teodoro, Andres,  Zhou Deqiang, the secretary of the Jinniu District Party Committee, and Peng Xiaodong, the director of the Jinniu District Investment Promotion Bureau.

According to the local government, the MOU aims to “establish a framework for cooperation between Marikina City and Jinniu District, Chengdu City, particularly in various common interests such as education, science, technology, culture, arts, tourism, economy, and trade.”

(Photo from Marikina City Police Station / MANILA BULLETIN)

“The City of Marikina has a rich Chinese ancestry, which has contributed much to our history, culture, and development. At present our Chinese community continues to lead our business sector and serves as our partners in disaster response, as well as community development. Now with much anticipation, this cooperation and friendship with Jinniu District will complement our city’s roots and history,” Teodoro said in his speech.

“We look forward to connecting with you today, especially to initiate our future collaborations that will positively impact our city and district. We have so much to share just as we have to learn. We envision cooperation in the spheres of culture and the arts, education, science and technology, and economy and trade,” he added.

The mayor urged both governments to “actualize their partnership and engage citizenry through exchanging information and knowledge, facilitating academics and cultural exchanges, development programs and projects, and most importantly promoting trade and investment.”

Andres remarked that China and the Chinese community have been like a “brother to lean on,” in times of typhoons and other calamities, as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic in the country through the donation of the Sinovac vaccines.

“We are thankful that your country is with us in this moment. Various donations were received by my office from medicines to wheelchairs from the Chinese Embassy. It is crystal clear that the evidence for our friendship is evidently strong and will continue and be valued by the next generations of Marikenos,” Andres said.

(Photo from Marikina City Police Station / MANILA BULLETIN)

Secretary Zhou expressed his gratitude to the Marikina local government, saying he is happy to have Marikina as Jinniu’s partner city. He added that there will be a bright future in their cooperation with Marikina City.

He commended Marikina for its cleanliness and peacefulness, as well as the people-centered leadership of Mayor Teodoro.

He also encouraged members of the Marikina local government to visit Jinniu District to experience Jinniu’s culture and deepen the socio-economic and trade exchanges of the cities.

Jinniu District has become the “New Center in Northern Chengdu,” wherein multi-sectoral development and technologies are continually being integrated and shaping culture, business, economic industries, tourism, and sports.

It has been included in the top 100 Districts of China, Districts in Investment Competitiveness, Innovative Districts, Happy Districts; and one of the Top Talent Attracting Urban Districts in China.