08 May 2023, Cagayan de Oro - The city of Cagayan de Oro warmly welcomed two distinguished individuals as they joined the Norfolk Sister Cities Association. Ms. Coleen Sta Ana, President of Alere Healthcare Solutions, and Mr. Angelo Reyes, Founder and Chairman of the Filipino American Chamber of Virginia, were greeted with open arms during their visit to the city.

On May 5, Sta Ana and Reyes commenced their visit with a courtesy call to Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, accompanied by Mr. John Asuncion of the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO). The purpose of the meeting was to establish a connection and discuss potential collaborations between Cagayan de Oro and Norfolk.

Following the courtesy call, the distinguished guests had a productive meeting with Ms. Cheryl Moncay and Ms. Lynn Guzman of the Public Employment Service Office. The discussion revolved around exploring avenues for employment that will benefit both cities.

To immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Cagayan de Oro, Sta Ana, and Reyes embarked on a tour of the renowned San Agustin Cathedral and City Museum. They marveled at the city's historical treasures and gained a deeper understanding of its heritage.

Continuing their itinerary, the Norfolk Sister Cities Association members paid a courtesy call to Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba, Chair of the Committee on Sister City Relations. The meeting allowed for a fruitful exchange of ideas and a reaffirmation of the commitment to fostering strong ties between Cagayan de Oro and Norfolk.

To further explore the city's cultural offerings, Sta Ana and Reyes visited the XU Museum and the iconic MacArthur Marker situated in Macabalan Wharf. They admired the rich artistic expressions and historical significance depicted in the museum's exhibits. The MacArthur Memorial Marker, with its majestic Golden Lady Mermaid, provided a poignant reminder of the shared history between the two cities.

On May 6, the delegates embraced an adventurous side of Cagayan de Oro by experiencing the thrill of whitewater rafting. They navigated through the exhilarating rapids, showcasing the city's natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities.

To cap off their visit, Sta Ana and Reyes indulged in the enchanting beauty of Sinulom Falls, a mesmerizing cascade nestled in the heart of Cagayan de Oro's lush landscape. The serene surroundings provided the perfect setting for reflection and appreciation of nature's wonders.

In the evening, the guests enjoyed a delightful dinner with alumni of the Norfolk-CDO Professional Exchange Program. The gathering fostered camaraderie and allowed for the exchange of experiences and insights gained from the program, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.

The visit of the new members of the Norfolk Sister Cities Association was a testament to the strong ties between Cagayan de Oro and Norfolk, Virginia. The city looks forward to more opportunities for collaboration and exchange with its sister city in the United States.