Willie Dechavez, an American educator of Filipino descent, successfully moved for Sorsogon City in the Bicol Region of the Philippines to become the sister city of Sterling Heights in Michigan. Mr. Dechavez hailed from the Bacon District of Sorsogon City. He is the chairperson of the Ethnic Community Committee of the City of Sterling Heights. Willie is also the Michigan state chair of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA).

The mayor of Sorsogon City, Leovic Dioneda, will be the special guest of honor of the City of Sterling Heights, as per the invitation of Mayor Richard J. Notte. Mayor Dioneda will be honored by the City of Sterling Heights on Sept. 18, 2008, during the first-ever Diversity Dinner in the city. The visiting Filipino mayor will meet also with the City Council and other city officials.

Editor’s Note: To read another article about Mr. Dechavez, please go to Willie Dechavez Wins the First-ever “BalikTeacher” Award

 Mr. Dechavez sponsored the holding of an annual Diversity Dinner as an event to honor organizations and individuals that champion diversity in the workplace and the community.

The Ethnic Community Committee of the City of Sterling Heights is now accepting nominations from Sterling-Heights residents to be the city's Diversity Champion. The dinner and award ceremonies will be held at the Ike's Restaurant.

The City of Sterling Heights was rated 37th nationwide and third statewide in Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Paces to Live for 2006.” Please visit its website at this address www.ci.sterling-heights.mi.us

Readers may also check on the official website of Sorsogon City at this link www.sorsogoncity.gov.ph # # #