City Sisterhood Between Baguio and San Antonio TX Established

The City of Baguio and the City of San Antonio, Texas formalized ties as sister cities on October 22, 2022 (PHT).

The delegates from Baguio City was composed of Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Mrs. Arlene Magalong, City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio dela Peña, Saint Louis University Fr. Gilbert Sales, and SLU Hospital Medical Director Dr. Paul Quitiquit.

The Baguio delegates were welcomed by San Antonio City Mayor Ron Nirenberg along with San Antonio City officials and personnel.

Mayor Benjie Conferred as San Antonio Alcalde

On October 20, Mayor Benjie received an honorary title of Alcalde of San Antonio City. The Proclamation given to the Baguio City Mayor reads, “You will perform the duties of Mayor if and when you are present within the city limits, and at other times agree to tell the story of La Villita, its beauties, attactions, and culture.”

As stated, Mayor Benjie can peform the duties of San Antonio Mayor when he is within the city boundaries. He is also entitled to tell the tale of the beautiful and historical La Villita, which is one of San Antonio City’s first neighborhoods located on the south bank of San Antonio River.

Modern-day but historically preserved La Villita is now a hub for arts and crafts. Several restaurants are also located within the district. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance from La Villita Historic Arts Village.

Addressing Urban Decay and Other Environmental Issues Discussed

Mayor Benjie and City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña met with San Antonio City Solid Waste Management Director David Newman, Senior Urban Planner Sidra Schimelpfening, Chief Sustainability Officer Douglas Melnick, and other key San Antonio City officials to discuss data-verified existence of urban decay in the City of Baguio as well as finding actionable ways to mitigate its effects.

“The exchange of ideas in San Antonio is relevant for us to achieve urban renewal that would remove the decaying marks of many years in our city. We are grateful to our sister city for lending us a helping hand to mitigate the environmental issues,” Mayor Benjie told.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Ron Nirenberg