Vallejo’s Sister School Exchange Program Celebrates Global Ties at Baguio City National High School

Baguio City, Philippines – Vallejo’s longstanding international connections continue to thrive as students from Vallejo’s Mare Island Technology – Griffin Technological Academy (MIT-GTA) take part in an ongoing cultural exchange program with Baguio City National High School. The exchange, part of the Sister Cities initiative, brings together students from Vallejo and its sister cities across the globe.

A recent visit to Baguio City National High School by Vallejo Sister City Association (VSCA) representatives, including Board Member and Delegate Dinah Villanueva-Ryan, marked a milestone in this vibrant exchange program. The students from MIT-GTA, who have been engaged in various academic and cultural activities with their counterparts in Baguio City, are learning about the rich history and traditions of the Philippines while also sharing their own insights from Vallejo.

In her remarks, Dinah Villanueva-Ryan, who serves as a president and board member of the Vallejo Sister City Association, expressed her pride in the ongoing collaboration. “These exchanges between the communities of our sister cities are critical to maintaining the deep and enduring relationships that have been cultivated by our senior leadership for many years,” she said. “At a time when the global-political landscape is changing, it is more important than ever that future generations of leaders continue to embrace and strengthen the spirit of Sister Cities.”

The exchange program is designed not only to promote educational growth but also to foster a sense of global citizenship. Through this initiative, students are gaining firsthand knowledge of different cultures, languages, and ways of life, helping them build empathy and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

Board member Villanueva-Ryan concluded her visit by expressing gratitude to the Baguio City National High School community to continue her role in facilitating the exchange. “Thank you, Baguio city National High School, for your hospitality and for being a partner in this invaluable program,” she said. “Our school in Vallejo is extremely proud of the work we are doing together, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of international cooperation.”

As the year draws to a close, the global exchange program is a reminder of the enduring power of international friendship and the shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous future.

Building bridges between Mare Island Technology Academy and Baguio City National High School through our sister school program fosters global understanding, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships between the youth in our two countries. The Vallejo Sister City Commission and Sister City Association believe these connections enrich our communities, inspire our youth, and strengthen the bonds of international cooperation that are at the heart of our sister city mission.