04 August 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., accompanied by Administrative Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Cultural Officer Rosabelle Q. Toledo, visited the City of Taxco de Alarcon, State of Guerrero, on July 31 as guests of the city government.  On that day, the Municipal President of Taxco, Lic. Salomon Majul Gonzales, turned over to the Ambassador the key to the City of Taxco in recognition of the sister city agreement between Taxco and Baguio.

The ceremony was preceded by a special session of the City Council which approved a resolution awarding the key to the Ambassador.  Present at the ceremony were officials of Taxco, officers and members of the Chamber of Commerce of Acapulco, which is also under the State of Guerrero, local media, Philippine Honorary Consul Mario de la O Almazan and around 200 residents in the area.

Mayor Majul Gonzales welcomed Ambassador Dilem and thanked him for coming to the City, as he read the Council Resolution on the handling of the key.

In his response, the Ambassador conveyed his thanks and sincere appreciation for the gesture as well as the the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and to his colleagues.  He hoped that the strong bond of friendship that exists between Taxco and Baguio would continue to grow.  He assured them that the Philippine Embassy would endeavour to look for new ways to advance cooperation and friendship between the two cities.

After the ceremony, the Ambassador was interviewed by the local TV Solo channel. He expressed appreciation for the gesture extended by the Taxco government and considered it as a sign of the continuing friendship between their city and Baguio.

He also hoped that the ceremony will be first step for more future cooperation and cultural exchanges between the Philippine Embassy and the City of Taxco. END