“I truly believe that together, Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Cordova, and the Province of Cebu and our friends in Ukraine can achieve great things,” said businessman Curtis Go, Ukraine’s partner in Cebu, as he vowed to work “hand in hand with both the public and private sectors” to turn shared goals into “a lasting and prosperous reality.”
Go made the remarks following the historic first visit to Cebu by Ukraine’s resident ambassador to the Philippines, Yuliia Fediv, whom he hosted during stops in Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, the municipality of Cordova, and the provincial capitol.
He said the trip opens “a new chapter in the friendship between Cebu and Ukraine, one built on shared values, trust, and a vision for a brighter future.”
Tracing his involvement back to friendships formed with Ukrainians in London in 2019, Go said the community’s support during the pandemic and the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion compelled him to help.
He began assisting Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts in 2023 through the country’s embassy in Malaysia, which then covered the Philippines, and is now supporting the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines.
Throughout the journey, Go said one theme stood out: resilience.
“The people of Ukraine have shown the world that true strength is not the absence of hardship, but the courage to move forward with hope, dignity, and unwavering spirit,” he noted, adding that the lesson continues to inspire his work in Cebu.
Go expressed gratitude to Ambassador Fediv for her trust and commitment to deepen ties between Cebu and Ukraine.
He said the visit sets the stage for broader cooperation involving local governments and the business community across Metro Cebu and the wider province.
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making Ambassador Yuliia Fediv’s historic visit such a meaningful and successful one,” Go said, framing the engagement as a springboard for concrete partnerships in the months ahead.
Business News Asia
