City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron and Mayor Yang, Yoon Kyung of Seogwipo City, Jeju Special Self Governing Province in South Korea signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friendship City Relationship of Puerto Princesa City and Seogwipo City-Republic of South Korea on October 4, 2019.
Seogwipo is the second-largest city on Jeju Island, settled on a rocky volcanic coastline. Its whole town is small enough for people to walk across easily.
Prior to his departure to Korea, Mayor Bayron announced during the flag raising ceremony that his visit to South Korea will strenghten the city’s ties with Seogwipo, in Jeju, which has similarities with Puerto Princesa, both being cities known as tourism destinations, and for its sustainable development initiatives.
He said that the place, Seogwipo City in Jeju, is a popular holiday destination and a sizable portion of the economy relies on tourism and economic activity. The sisterhood with this South Korean city also open the doors of the two cities to opportunities which they can mutually benefit.
The province of Palawan since last year has partnered with Asia Climate Change Education Center (ACCEC) based in Jeju, South Korea for its sustainable development and environmental programs.
Jovic Fabello, information officer of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) explained that the partnership is for education and learning exchanges where some of the researchers in Palawan are trained in Jeju. The purpose of the exchanges is more on learning their best practices in managing biosphere reserves and other Jeju’s program on sustainable development.
In the recent interview of Dr. Dai-Yeun Jeong, ACCECC director, he said that they conducted research on climate change, and environmental training program in the whole of Jeju Island, where Seogwipo is a component city.
They also developed and implement sector-specific policies particularly in waste management, energy conservation, and other sustainable development practices.
In implementing their policies, they also introduced incentives and tax deductions for local residents and businessmen who fully complied with their policies.
Other city officials, specifically some members of the City Council accompanied Mayor Bayron during the visit.