*Cites development focus in foreign tiesBy Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chairperson of the Committee on Internal Relations, dismissed accusations that Davao City is a “pro-China,” saying the label is “unfair and misrepresents” how the city handles foreign relations.
Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos, Zozobrado said the city does not side with any country but focuses on maintaining diplomatic ties that benefit Davao City and its residents.
Zozobrado said the city avoids conflicts and works with partners that offer goodwill and mutual advantage. She also stressed that national government agencies handle major geopolitical issues, not the city.
“We do not pick fights with our neighbors, especially if they are not also picking fights against us,” she said, noting that international visitors and partnerships have contributed to development initiatives, including infrastructure projects such as the Bucana Bridge.
As chair of the Committee on Internal Relations, Zozobrado oversees the city’s sister-city and bilateral agreements with foreign and local governments.
She said the committee also helps receive visiting officials and supports the mayor on policy matters, in coordination with the Davao City Investments and Promotion Center.
The councilor emphasized that the city plans to focus on existing agreements to ensure they deliver concrete results, rather than entering new partnerships unless necessary.
Zozobrado said any proposed sister-city agreement will still be reviewed to determine its value and relevance. She cited education as one priority area, including talks with Hamamatsu, Japan, for possible training and scholarship programs.
She also mentioned education linkages involving Ateneo de Davao University and its Confucius College.
According to the councilor, Chinese professors currently at the university need proper visas for extended stays, and the Department of Justice requires a memorandum of understanding with the city government.
She clarified that the city will not assume financial or legal responsibility under the arrangement.
Committee records show that Davao City maintains several active and expired sister-city agreements, both international and local. These partnerships usually cover cooperation in tourism, culture, trade, agriculture, and education.
Zozobrado said such agreements aim to strengthen exchanges and assistance programs and may be renewed upon mutual agreement and in accordance with legal requirements.
