Cebu City renews sister city ties with Belgium’s Kortrijk

Cebu City  and Kortrijk City of Belgium renewed their sisterhood agreement yesterday.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella signed the  memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the deputy mayor of Kortrijk City Ben Herrewyn at  City Hall.

The ten-year partnership of the  two cities started in May 2005, when  the  MOA was first signed.

It was renewed for two more years but can be renewed again.

Labella in his speech said that he’s hopeful that this will be a fruitful,  dynamic and productive sister city relationship

Kortrijk City officials said they were impressed by the citizen  participation.

“We know you really work on participation of inhabitants. We can really learn from that,” Herrewyn said.

He also noted the  friendly way Cebuanos greet people any time of the day.

“I’ve learned that when you say hello, you say  ‘Maayong Buntag,’ every day, every moment.  Our city doesn’t have that much anymore.  Maybe we will use your example to learn how be more happy,” he said.

The Belgian city is keen on projects that  address climate-change impacts.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said that  Kortrijk will help Cebu City in solid waste management.

“They will teach us how to segregate our waste and manage the landfill,” said Dizon.

As part of cultural exchange, Kortrijk City will invite at least two Cebuano choreographers to  teach  the dance steps of the Sinulog in time for a  big festival in Belgium in May.

At least 15 students from Cebu will go to Belgium in April for a student-exchange program.