THE MUNICIPALITY of Sta. Maria recently marked a historic milestone during its 58th founding anniversary celebration, highlighted by a special visit from the Chinese Consul General in Davao, Zhao Xiuzhen, last June 17, along with the regional heads of the Department of Trade and Industry XI and the Department of Tourism XI. Sta. Maria Municipal Mayor Claude Benjamin II D. Bautista described the occasion as one of the standout moments of the celebration.
”It is a welcome departure from the norm where foreign dignitaries typically visit our municipality and province only during times of calamities or crises. This time, we’re happy that they’re here to celebrate with us,” said the young chief executive.
In her speech, Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen emphasized the deep ties between China and the Philippines, stating that their thousand-year history of exchanges proves that good neighborliness, mutual cooperation, and common development serve both nations’ fundamental interests. Noting that Filipinos and Chinese share similar qualities of kindness and a willingness to share, she added, “There is every reason for us to remain good neighbors.”
The visit also sparked discussions on economic partnerships and capacity building. Bautista confirmed that Sta. Maria welcomes Chinese investments, particularly in agriculture and manpower. To meet the anticipated demand for skilled labor, the local government is focusing on training its workforce.
Recognizing the province as a predominantly agricultural domain, Bautista also expressed a strong interest in adopting best practices from China’s advanced agricultural sector to boost local production and development.
Currently, Chinese investments in the municipality are relatively scarce and primarily concentrated in the agricultural sector, with the most notable being the production of coconut husk or “bunut.”
Both leaders voiced strong optimism for future cooperation. The Consul General highlighted past successes where participants from nearby provinces were sent to China to study bamboo planting and handicrafts, boosting regional industries and employment. Similarly, Bautista shared that Sta. Maria’s department heads have previously visited China for capacity building to prepare the local workforce for upcoming opportunities.
During the visit, Bautista showcased the municipality’s development sites to the Consul General and other guest officials, including the CECBA Coffee Farm, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology – Sta. Maria Extension, Bambusetum in Barangay San Agustin, Colagsing Beach in Barangay Tanglad, and the newly inaugurated Sta. Maria Pasalubong Center.
