San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora Forges Stronger Bonds with Cebu LGUs
From March 18 to 20, 2026, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora embarked on a significant working visit to Cebu, accompanied by Councilors James Yap and Ervic Vijandre. This journey transcended mere official duties, evolving into a profound reaffirmation of public service, partnership, and human connection. The delegation aimed to strengthen inter-local government unit (LGU) ties, resulting in a series of impactful engagements across the province.
Reconnecting with Cebu's Leadership
The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where Mayor Zamora met Governor Pam Baricuatro for the third time in five months. Their first encounter in October 2025 involved Mayor Zamora personally delivering a P1 million financial assistance package from San Juan City to the province. On that same day, he also visited Bogo City to hand over an additional P1 million donation to Mayor Mayel Martinez, supplemented by another P1 million from the League of Cities of the Philippines, all aimed at aiding Cebu's recovery from a recent earthquake. The second meeting occurred during the Sinulog Festival in January, where Governor Baricuatro extended gracious hospitality. This latest interaction reinforced their shared commitment to enhanced collaboration, setting a positive tone for the entire trip.
Sisterhood Agreements in Camotes Island
Later that day, the delegation traveled by speedboat from Liloan to Camotes Island for a landmark sisterhood agreement signing with the municipalities of San Francisco, Tudela, Poro, and Pilar. Hosted by Mayor Al Arquillano of San Francisco, alongside Mayors Jojo Solante (Tudela), Gary Rama (Poro), and Atty. Winky Santiago (Pilar), the event was marked by heartfelt appreciation. The mayors expressed surprise that a highly urbanized city like San Juan would partner with smaller, less accessible municipalities. In response, Mayor Zamora emphasized that LGU relationships should not be defined by income or size, noting that even smaller units can achieve great things for their constituents. He highlighted San Juan's status as Metro Manila's smallest city and framed the agreement as a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood in public service, focused on mutual learning—particularly from Camotes Island's resilience and creativity.
Perilous Journey to Bantayan Island
The following day brought an unforgettable and harrowing three-hour journey to Bantayan Island. While crossing from Camotes, the speedboat encountered strong waves, causing a side door to open and flood the vessel with seawater. Mayor Zamora described the moment as frightening and humbling, a stark reminder of travel's unpredictability. Upon arrival in Madridejos, Mayor Romy Villaceran hosted lunch and a tour of Kota Park. That evening, sisterhood agreements were signed with the municipalities of Bantayan and Madridejos, hosted by the Municipality of Santa Fe under Mayor Thamar Espinosa, with Mayors Alex Layese (Bantayan) and Romy Villaceran (Madridejos) participating. Mayor Espinosa recalled Mayor Zamora's promise to visit Bantayan after their 2024 sisterhood signing in San Juan, a commitment now fulfilled amid admiration for the island's beauty.
Adapting Plans and Finalizing Partnerships
Rough seas on the next day necessitated a change in plans: instead of a speedboat to Danao City, the group traveled by RoRo to Hagnaya Port in San Remegio, with a quick stop in Bogo City before proceeding by land to Danao City Hall. There, another sisterhood agreement was signed with Mayor Nito Durano and Vice Mayor Ivy Durano. Mayor Zamora was impressed by Danao's tourism potential and robust local industries. A touching moment occurred during a city profile presentation when a local pot maker wore a "Francis Never Stops" shirt from Mayor Zamora's 2019 campaign, underscoring the interconnectedness of communities and the need for LGUs to collaborate in serving constituents who may reside in multiple locations.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The trip concluded with a meeting at the Waterfront Hotel in Lapu-lapu City, where Mayor Zamora engaged with officers and trustees of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the country's most awarded business chambers. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, also present as the LCP Focal Mayor for Visayas Affairs, shared insights on Cebu's role as a major economic hub. Mayor Zamora expressed eagerness to foster stronger partnerships, encouraging investments between San Juan and Cebu. He announced plans to return in July for the League of Cities of the Philippines National Board Meeting and Visayas Cluster Consultation in Cebu, where formal sisterhood agreements will be signed with the Province of Cebu and the City of Cebu.
A Lasting Impression of Warmth and Collaboration
Reflecting on the journey, Mayor Zamora emphasized that the true value lay not just in the signed agreements, but in the people encountered. He praised the warmth of Cebuanos, which made him feel welcome and at home. In closing, he expressed his affection for Cebu in the local language, "Gihigugma ko kamo, Cebu. Magkita ta puhon. Daghang salamat sa inyong tanan," and looks forward to continued collaboration and return visits.
