Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas visited Kochi Prefecture in Japan to meet with Kochi officials to renew the two province’s sisterhood partnership which reaches its 50th anniversary this month.
Governor Diclas, along with Board Member Johannes Amuasen, Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan, OIC-Provincial Administrator Brian Camhit, and Provincial Tourism Officer Eleazar Carias, met with Kochi Governor Seiji Hamada and other officials to discuss joint initiatives in agriculture and tourism.
During the meeting, Governor Diclas highlighted the positive impact of the partnership, which began on July 28, 1975, when then-Governor Ben Palispis and then-Governor Masumi Mizobuchi formalized the sisterhood agreement.
“Since 1997, almost a thousand farmer-trainees from Benguet have been welcomed here in Kochi. Today, more than a hundred continue their training and are earning a living while gaining helpful knowledge and skills,” the Governor said. “When they return home, these farmer-trainees become changemakers in their own localities, sharing Japanese best practices and supporting local agricultural development.”
He also mentioned that beyond the development programs, the sisterhood between Benguet and Kochi is symbolized by the Sakura Park in Paoay, Atok, which was established in 2005 through the joint efforts of Kochi Prefecture and the late Congressman and Governor Nestor Bagtang Fongwan Sr.
He said the Sakura saplings gifted by Kochi did not only enhance the beauty of the park but also contributed to the tourism economy of the community.
“We are eager to renew our ties, expand our cooperation, and discover more ways to build a brighter, stronger, and more progressive community for both Benguet and Kochi Prefecture,” Governor Diclas added.
In a separate meeting, the Governor and his team also met with the members of the Kochi-Benguet Sisterhood Development Group headed by Chairman Hiroshi Yoshika to discuss partnership plans. They also met with Benguet farmers who are currently working in Kochi Prefecture.
The Kochi delegation is expected to join the Adivay Festival celebration this year for the official signing of the renewed agreement.
