BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio City and San Antonio, Texas, mark a milestone in their partnership as sister cities with unveiling a replica of the historic Alamo Mission at the Baguio Botanical Garden on September 25, 2025.
The Alamo, originally founded in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero by Spanish missionaries, evolved from a religious mission to a military fortress. It is best known for the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan and Tejano defenders heroically defended the mission against the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. Today, the Alamo stands as a historic shrine and museum in San Antonio, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and self-determination.
This cultural landmark represents friendships, heritage, and the collective ambition of the two cities. The sisterhood between the two cities was established on June 23, 2023. The partnership was signed by the then San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Since then, the sisterhood blossomed into a significant cultural and educational exchange.
One of the first partnership projects was the San Antonio Garden in Baguio Botanical Garden, inspired by the iconic San Antonio River Walk and followed by the large replica of a cowboy boot installation, a recognizable Texan symbol, setting San Antonio’s identity within local heritage sites in Baguio.
The most recent addition is an installation of the Alamo Mission, a historically significant landmark representing resilience, courage, and the battle for independence in Texas history. The Alamo, formerly a Spanish mission before becoming a site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, is a lasting symbol of self-determination.
Representatives from Communities Aligning Baguio and San Antonio, Texas (CABSAT) were present, together with city officials and local artists who crafted the installation. CABSAT is a nonprofit organization that manages educational tours, medical missions, and cultural exchanges, strengthening community ties across the two cities.
Baguio Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and CABSAT Treasurer Tess Cahigas delivered messages emphasizing their continuous commitment to collaboration, shared identity, and cultural respect. The replica is more than just a monument; it reminds future generations of the importance of unity, history, and international friendship.
The sister city relationship between Baguio and San Antonio demonstrates how shared values and history can bridge distances and encourage continuing collaboration. This collaboration builds cultural bridges and provides opportunities for mutual growth and understanding.
As Baguio City proudly hosts these Texan historical markers, the bond with San Antonio remains strong, promising a future of joint projects and increased relationships between both thriving cities.( Ramia Yezza De Mesa – SLU intern)
