Mati, Sennan, Herzliya and Pohang: Davao sister cities newly-approved by IRB

The city’s International Relations Board (IRB) approved four new sister cities to further advance trading relations, economic growth and other bilateral exchanges. These are Mati City in Davao Oriental, Sennan City in Osaka, Japan; Herzliya in Israel and Pohang City in Republic of Korea.

All four initiated proposals to partner with Davao in several areas of cooperation. Mati City looks forward to eco-tourism and heritage preservation, including cultural exchange. Its proximity to Davao is its advantage, cites DCIPC Officer in Charge, April Marie Dayap. Both cities are known for resorts, marine conservation efforts and a long-standing relation in the areas of agro-industrial trade and agriculture.

Sennan City in Osaka is Davao’s second sister city from Japan, after Kitakyushu which will hopefully usher in people to people exchange in the field of education and student exchange programs, job provision, as well as research and development.

Herzliya, the largest and most innovative marina in the Middle East is pinpointed to drive agri-economy and trade relations with Davao via its thriving industrial zone and high-tech companies, including tourism.

As the center of the Korean steel industry, Pohang City is much anticipated by Davao for its various linkages in the academe and to power Davao’s future start-up/business incubation efforts particularly in research, science and technology.

The IRB, composed of different government offices and private organizations in the city, is the body tasked to deliberate and act on sister-city proposals. Closely coordinating and working with the IRB is the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) which serves as secretariat.