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Cerritos council approves sister-city relationship with San Carlos, Pangasinan
Summary
The Cerritos City Council voted unanimously to establish a sister-city relationship with San Carlos in Pangasinan, Philippines, after community organizations and the Philippine Consulate General expressed support and staff confirmed the application meets city policy.
The Cerritos City Council voted 5–0 on Sept. 25 to approve a sister-city relationship with San Carlos, province of Pangasinan, in the Republic of the Philippines, adopting a resolution to formalize the partnership.
The council heard a staff report from Community & Cultural Services Director Annie Hilton that the request—submitted by Pangasinan Brotherhood USA, Inc., and the San Carolinian Organization of Southern California—met the city’s Sister City Designation Policy and included a reciprocal letter of intent from San Carlos’ mayor, Julia Brusuelo. Hilton said incidental ceremonial expenses would be covered by existing city funds unless otherwise authorized by the council.
Dozens of community members and organizational leaders urged approval during public comment, describing cultural, historical and economic ties between Cerritos and San Carlos. Sue Ann Tumacay of Pangasinan Brotherhood USA said a formal tie would “promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.” Deputy Consul General Maria Gamble of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles conveyed the Consulate’s support for the request.
Councilmembers voiced broad support. Councilmember Mark Pulido described the proposal as a reflection of the city’s Filipino-American community and noted the groups backing the request had been active locally. Mayor Pro Tem Linda Johnson, who joined a fact-finding trip to the Philippines, called the match “a perfect fit” and said she looked forward to cultural and economic exchanges.
The resolution directs city staff to work with the partnering organizations on program coordination; the sister-city policy states such programs are not supported by city staff or funding unless the council explicitly authorizes resources. Hilton told the council that partners had committed to assist with planning and coordination, and that any ceremonial costs would be expected to be minimal and absorbed within current budgets.
The council’s unanimous vote concludes the item by formalizing the relationship; staff and the partnering organizations will proceed to plan initial exchanges and ceremonial activities.
