Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas warmly welcomed Mayor Yoshito Arisaka of Minamimaki Mura, Japan, during the latter’s courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office this afternoon.
Mayor Arisaka was joined by Secretary General Shimizu Toshihiro of the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), along with other delegates from Minamimaki.
During the visit, Mayor Arisaka extended his congratulations to Governor Diclas and the newly elected officials of Benguet on their recent electoral victory. He expressed appreciation for the Benguet farmer-trainees currently deployed in Minamimaki, commending them as “the best farmers because of their experience in highland vegetables.”
He emphasized their contribution to Minamimaki’s agriculture-based economy, particularly in the cultivation of highland vegetables, strawberries, and livestock.
Looking ahead, Mayor Arisaka expressed hope for stronger ties and collaboration between Benguet and Minamimaki.
They also discussed plans to establish sisterhood agreements with the municipalities of Buguias and Tublay, with formal discussions scheduled this week. The proposed partnerships aim to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and culture. Minamimaki currently has a sisterhood agreement with the Municipality of La Trinidad.
Governor Diclas, in turn, thanked JAEC and the Municipality of Minamimaki for their continued friendship and support, stressing how the partnership has been helpful in the exchange of knowledge and agricultural technology that benefits the people of Benguet.
Also present during the meeting were Benguet Board Members Romeo Salda, Armando Lauro, and Jim Botiwey.
