The local government unit of Valencia has once again made an epic allegiance this time with a well-established company, the OGIKEN Group of Companies from Hiramatsu, Kasugacho, Tanba City, Hyogo, Japan through the joined efforts of Balite Family and the BIT International College. The CEO himself, Mr. Norio Ogino, personally visited the municipality of Valencia, June 13, 2023 along with his grandson Mr. Haruto Ogino and six other trusted delegates of the company namely; Masaki Yamashita, Naoki Nishida, Toshiaki Aoki, Keiko Honjo, Masato Goto and Richard John Vincent.
The guests were escorted by the Valencia Police from the Tangohay border to Badiang Spring Resort and Hotel where the guests were welcomed with a grand performance of the Sang-at Performers at the lobby and the members of Sangguniang Bayan of Valencia and LGU Personnel.
A scrumptious lunch was prepared for the guests while showcasing Valencia’s very own cultural festival through series of performances by the Sang-at Festival Performers and the demonstration of Valencia Arnis Team under the directives and supervision of Ms. Sahlee Santos and Mr. Jonas Gabutan of Valencia DepEd. A demo of hot chocolate “sikwate” preparation was also presented by the chef of Badiang Spring Resort and Hotel that our Japanese guests attentively watched and will surely enjoy once they return to Japan with their tablea gifts from LGU Valencia. To formally seal the allegiance, Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite and Chairman Norio Ogino signed the Pledge of Allegiance. As a support from the Sangguniang Bayan members, a resolution was presented as a gratitude for the visit and partnership.
After the ceremonial allegiance, LGU Valencia accompanied the Japanese guests for ocular visit to LGU Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in barangay Taytay, Valencia. Engineer Gerbert Acorda, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) deliberated on the purpose and benefits of the MRF facility and the future development plans of the area as an Eco-Tourism Park of Valencia. The group also participated in the tree planting activity in the surrounding area of the said facility.
Next stop, the guests were brought to barangay Anoyon. Mr. Jesus Adem discussed the background of the ongoing construction of the Anoyon High School which has an existing proposal under deliberation with the Japanese Embassy for the Grant Assistance For Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), a framework sponsored by the Government of Japanese to support NGOs and public institutions in developing countries such as Philippines.
After a long day, a banquet of local delicacies was served to the guests which they overly enjoyed while exchanging of pleasantries with the LGU personnel, Sangguniang Bayan members and school teachers. The guests also posed with the students prior their departure.
Valencia has once again made history. A brighter future awaits and this will be possible with cooperation and dedication as one municipality. Let’s stand and change for the better.