The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) continues to expand its global reach and strengthen alliances with international partners through strategic initiatives. In a recent meeting, NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni and International Affairs Coordinator Ana Marie Villanueva engaged with the officers and Board of Trustees of the Alameda Sister City Association (ASCA), alongside local city officials of Alameda, California, USA.
The meeting served as a platform for Executive Director Jalandoni to present NOCCI’s diverse advocacy programs aimed at promoting international business and trade through the Sister City Program and Sister Chamber cooperation and alliances. These initiatives underscore NOCCI’s commitment to fostering economic growth and cultural exchange on an international scale.
Led by Cynthia Bonta, the Founding President of ASCA, and Alameda City Vice-Mayor Tony Daysog, the ASCA and Alameda City government expressed enthusiastic support for the renewal of the Alameda City and Dumaguete City Sisterhood through NOCCI’s proactive initiative. The renewed partnership promises to deepen mutual understanding and collaboration between the two cities, paving the way for new opportunities in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The meeting saw the participation of esteemed individuals, including Mr. Lee Guio, Board of Director of Sister Cities International, and Dr. Araceli DeGuzman, President of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California. Representatives from Sister Cities International, Star Hurley and Brenda Brumfield, also lent their expertise to the discussion. Additionally, the presence of Stewart Chen and Leslie Neilsen, Lifetime ASCA Members, as well as local officials such as Lois Butler, City Economic and Investment Promotion Manager, and Sarah Henry, City Public Information Officer, further enriched the dialogue.
NOCCI’s proactive approach to fostering international partnerships aligns with its broader mission of promoting economic development and cultural exchange. By leveraging the Sister City Program, NOCCI aims to create mutually beneficial relationships that drive sustainable growth and prosperity for both Dumaguete City and its international counterparts.
Executive Director Jalandoni emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals, stating, “Through initiatives like the Sister City Program, we can bridge geographical boundaries and create opportunities for economic advancement and cultural enrichment.”
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to furthering cooperation between NOCCI and ASCA, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and exchange. As NOCCI continues to champion international initiatives, the organization remains dedicated to building bridges and fostering goodwill across borders.
Moving forward, NOCCI looks forward to leveraging the renewed Sister City partnership to unlock new opportunities for business growth, cultural exchange, and mutual prosperity. By fostering strong ties with international partners like ASCA, NOCCI reaffirms its position as a key player in driving global economic development and cooperation.