collection in Haarlemmermeer) and the Technical University Delft. Likewise, Cebu City is providing its cooperation through the Department of Public Services (DPS), with the assistance of the University of San Carlos.
Before the project commenced, there were exchange visits from both cities: four representatives from DPS attended a training program in Haarlemmermeer; while three Dutch flew to Cebu for orientation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs through the Association of Dutch Municipalities donated 50% of the project cost. After this donation, the project commenced with an awareness campaign.
Government and Business Representatives
There were also government representatives plus a delegation of businessmen who visited Haarlemmeer. A small delegation from Mactan International Airport was given a guided tour of Schiphol Airport. Although it is sometimes called Amsterdam Airport, its location is in Haarlemmermeer. This airport has the distinction of having been voted the best airport in the world by business travelers. In terms of passenger numbers, this airport ranks within the top 10 at 40,000 passengers annually.
There was also an arranged trip for ex-Mayor Alvin Garcia. He was invited to attend the world conference organised by the International Union of Local Authorities at the Hague. On another occasion, the Association of Dutch Municipalities sponsored a training program for a representative from our City Hall who underwent training in Haarlemmermeer.
Another sponsored trip was also provided to an architect who has been working on the revitalisation of the oldest part of Cebu City. The architect visited the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies in Haarlemmermeer.
Local schools also touched base and developed relationships with Haarlemmermeer. As Haarlemmermeer sponsored a children's project, one of its

elementary school called Het Braambos stepped into a relationship with our local school, Zapatera. Het Braambos generously raised some cash for the renovation of Zapatera's comfort rooms. Afterwards, it provided Zapatera with 7 new computers -- the first step to establish e-mail exchanges. Meanwhile, Transpolis Hoofddorp adopted a program that would last for at least five years with an urban poor area, Tisa.
The Kaj Munk Highschool in Hoofddorp also opened its doors to the University of San Carlos Girls High School (USC-GHS). Recently, the former started an e-mail project with the University of Southern Philippines (USP). Children from both schools have been writing e-mail messages to each other. This exercise is part of their current English lessons in school.
And, there were exchange visits: a teacher and two students of USC participated in the international project "Save the Earth"; two members of USP visited Haarlemmermeer; and a high school teacher from Haarlemmermeer conducted a 5-month program in Math at USC Talamban.
Horticulture
The Netherlands is known as the Land of Tulips. The country also hosts the horticultural and once-a-decade worldwide expo, the Floriade. It so happens that the Netherlands is hosting the Floriade this 2002 and this time, our very own sister city is host!
Since Haarlemmermeer is also celebrating its 10th year anniversary of sisterhood with Cebu City, three representatives of the Cebu Ornamental Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (COMCI) were members of the official delegation that left May this year. The delegation heartily explored the various concepts of the Floriade. By courtesy of Haarlemmermeer City, flowers from Cebu City were exhibited in its modern Pavilion.
In addition, Haarlemmermeer sent an unbelievable 5,000 lily bulbs! An expert on growing lilies even visited Cebu's flower growers. Soonafter, 10 flower