Makati offers services, scholarship to Maitum

MAKATI (January 19, 2009) – Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has offered the municipality of Maitum scholarship for training in Makati's best practices.

"We are offering you 10 scholars in our University of Makati," Binay told 26 Maitum delegates during the signing of a "Sisterhood Relationship" January 12.

Makati's hospital services were also made available. "Send Maitumians to our hospital, just make sure you send their medical abstract,"Binay said.

The Maitum delegation was led by Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, withVice Mayor Tito Balazon, Sangguniang Bayan members and municipal department heads.

The sisterhood pact seals the friendship, cooperation, and sharing between the country's financial capital and a poor town with rich heritage and natural resources.

Binay stressed the importance of a local government unit (LGU) getting into business to generate revenue locally.He hailed the sisterhood pact as a milestone for the two LGUs.

Binay said he was proud to have Maitum as Makati's sister community."This pact is a sign of trust and confidence for both of us," Binay said. "I wish our SEF (Special Education Fund) will be liberalized sowe can share with you our resources."

The Makati mayor asked Maitum officials to start programming their Lakbay Aral and trainings."You will be given free board and lodging when you are in Makati to train in any of our programs and best practices like rescue, socialservices, to name a few," Binay said.

"Our friendship and cooperation is not one way. We would also like to learn from you how you delivered basic services despite low income.You managed to live peacefully in the midst of cultural diversity,"Binay added.

For her part, a "deeply honored" Mayor Perrett said the sisterhood with Makati City would "usher in development in our municipality interms of information technology, governance, education, urban planning, and tourism."

Perrett said the relationship between the two LGUs would strengthen the "exchange of information, lessons, and experiences that will benefit both our constituents."

"Maitum is an ideal cultural destination – with its archaeologicallandmarks, uncharted caves and waterfalls, unspoiled beaches, pawikanand bat sanctuaries. It is home to more than 40,000 diverse, warm and peace-loving people," Perrett told her hosts. "We are eager to share these natural endowments with you." (Beth Ramos – Palma Gil/MAITUMINFORMATION OFFICE)