Japanese agency pushes dev’t for Cebu

The modernization of the Capitol and other towns and cities of Metro Cebu would form part of a future joint project between Cebu’s local governments and the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA.

Two JICA officials, Deputy General for Asia-Pacific Yasushi Tanaka and manager of the International Technical Cooperation Division of Yokohama City in Japan paid Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia a courtesy call yesterday, presenting their plans for the project.

In an interview, Hashimoto said JICA will work with the private sector and the local governments of Metro Cebu for programs promoting sustainability in the city.

“We have defined our vision for the city to drive economic growth with clear priorities for action and investments while considering the environment,” he said.

Garcia told reporters yesterday that the capabilities will be shared to the rest of Metro Cebu cities and towns.

JICA will tap the help of the local governments to expand the project scope.

Determination of the final scope and extent of the project will begin on July this year.

The agency is looking to help with Cebu City’s solid and water waste management as well as other urban development issues.

The governor, who heads the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) expressed her full support for the project.

JICA is the Japanese government’s independent agency which coordinates official development aid (ODA) for beneficiary countries.