13 February 2017 BITUNG, INDONESIA—The Philippine Consulate General in Manado received the six Members of the House of Representatives and Special Committee on EAGA Affairs to BIMP-EAGA on February 02.

The committee met with Hon. Olly Dondokambey, Governor or North Sulawesi and Hon. Max Lomban, Mayor of Bitung City as well as with the representatives of the three Filipino owned Tuna Canneries in Bitung City (PT RD Pacific International, PT Sinar Purefoods International, and PT International Alliance Food Indonesia) during the two-day visit.

Mayor Lomban stressed the existence of a strengthened relationship between Bitung and Davao City by virtue of the Sister City Agreement signed on July 14, 2005.

Through this agreement, the two cities as well as the coastal communities and sub-regions are expected to have a massive trade and economic impact along the area.

This is also seen as an opportunity to enhance further collaboration in investment, technical, and cultural exchanges.

The Special Committee on EAGA went on an on-site briefing and tour with the Bitung Port Authority and PT RD Pacific International.

This visit enabled the Philippine delegation to better appreciate and learn more about EAGA’s impact to the local economy of the sub-regional focus areas that will serve as a guide to assist them in the formulation of their legislative agenda in support to the BIMP-EAGA initiative.

The delegation was composed of Hon. Mercedes “Didi” Cagas, Chairperson of the Special Committee on EAGA Affairs, Hon. Gil. P. Acosta, Vice-Chairman, and other members such as Hon. Glona Labadlabad; Hon. Orestes T. Salon; Hon. Ma. Lucille L. Nava; Hon. Isagani Amatong; Governor Juan Carlos Rhaman Nava; Ms. Jennifer Joan Estrella, Committee Secretary; Mr. Jimmy K. Musa, Technical Focal Person; and Ms. Agnes Magdaug. END