General Santos City Fish Port is a sight that stays with you.

Last November, I stood on its docks watching workers move massive yellowfin tuna with remarkable precision and efficiency. More than just a local facility, the fish port is the beating heart of the City’s economy, generating jobs, driving commerce, and contributing significantly to national growth.

That visit to General Santos City was guided by a belief I have long held: our cities become stronger when they learn from one another.

Today, effective governance requires more than managing our own jurisdictions. It calls for cross-regional collaboration, shared learning, and what I often refer to as horizontal diplomacy, cities helping cities.

Serving concurrently as Mayor of San Juan, President of the Metro Manila Council, and National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), I have always sought opportunities to bridge the different economic and governance frameworks across our country.

This was the spirit behind the sisterhood agreement we signed with Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao of General Santos City. The partnership was intended to create a bridge of knowledge, innovation, and shared vision for nation-building.

During that visit, we toured the Don Ricardo Chocolate Factory and several local manufacturing hubs. We also visited Mt. Sabrina Panoramic View Resort which is a very popular tourist attraction on top of a hill. We discussed ways to support local entrepreneurs and explored how Mindanao's successful export logistics practices could bring valuable lessons for Metro Manila. It was a practical demonstration of what genuine local government collaboration can achieve.

But the true measure of any partnership is not found during moments of prosperity. It is revealed during times of crisis.

On June 8, 2026, a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao. Like many Filipinos, I watched the news coverage with a heavy heart. Images of damaged infrastructure and displaced families were difficult to see. What made it even more personal was knowing that these were the same communities that had warmly welcomed us just months before.

At that moment, our sisterhood agreement took on a deeper meaning. What began as a partnership for progress became a lifeline of support.

Returning to the region this June, I wanted to personally convey the solidarity of the people of San Juan. On behalf of the City Government and the people of San Juan, I turned over ₱1 million in financial assistance to General Santos City and another ₱1 million to the Province of Sarangani headed by Governor Ruel Pacquiao. In my capacity as National President of the LCP, I also turned over an additional ₱1 million in assistance for General Santos City, bringing the total support package to ₱3 million.

Meeting local officials, speaking with residents, and witnessing the resilience of affected communities reinforced the reason why many of us enter public service. Public leadership is not only about governance during good times; it is also about showing up when people need help the most. The earthquake should likewise serve as a clear reminder to all LGUs nationwide to take disaster preparedness much more seriously.

As a nation situated along major fault lines, earthquakes are not a question of if, but when. We must continue strengthening our disaster resilience by retrofitting critical infrastructure, enforcing seismic-sensitive building standards, improving early warning systems, educating our constituents, and ensuring that local disaster risk reduction offices have the resources they need to respond effectively.

In San Juan City, we installed advanced IT-based seismic monitoring and response devices at the critical sites: the San Juan City Hall, San Juan Medical Center, and Makabagong San Juan National Government Center. This is a groundbreaking project supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through their Inclusive Business Solution (IBS) Program.

We must build communities that are stronger, safer, and better prepared for future disasters. This is also why I continue working closely with my fellow mayors through the League of Cities of the Philippines and the Metro Manila Council. No city should ever have to face a calamity alone.

Standing in Mindanao, speaking with local leaders and residents determined to rebuild, I was reminded of what being a sister city truly means. It is about standing together when challenges arise and extending a helping hand when it matters most.

To every family affected by the earthquake, please know that San Juan City and the entire League of Cities of the Philippines stand with you. We remain committed to helping communities recover, rebuild, and move forward.

In the end, this is the essence of Filipino bayanihan—not merely helping one another in times of need, but ensuring that no community is ever left behind.