Cebu officials study Japan’s waste, health, disaster readiness programs

Local

OFFICIALS from Cebu took a closer look at how communities in Japan manage waste, prepare for disasters, strengthen healthcare systems, and invest early in their children.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival advanced Cebu’s sustainability and development agenda during a four-day mission to Japan from February 24 to 27, focusing on waste-to-energy (WTE) technology, disaster resilience, healthcare systems, and early childhood development.

Baricuatro led the delegation, joined by Archival, Provincial Board Members Stanley Caminero and Kerrie Shimura.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce organized the trip in partnership with the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce.

Archival returned early to attend Cebu City’s Charter Day celebrations.

In Yokohama, Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka and officials from the International Affairs Bureau hosted the Cebu delegation.

Baricuatro and Archival joined Yamanaka in a press conference highlighting the strengthened partnership between Cebu and Yokohama and their shared commitment to sustainable urban development.

As a founding member of the Asia Circular Cities Declaration, Cebu reaffirmed its commitment to address urban challenges through green and circular development strategies with support from Yokohama City.

Archival formally handed over the declaration to the chair of ICLEI Japan, signaling Cebu’s participation in global climate and sustainability initiatives.

“As Governor of the Province of Cebu, together with Mayor Nestor Archival of Cebu City, we are here to reaffirm our commitment to continue strengthening collaboration between Cebu Island and the City of Yokohama,” Baricuatro said.

The delegation toured the waste-to-energy facilities at the Kanazawa Reclamation Industrial Area, where they examined advanced exhaust gas treatment and monitoring technologies designed to reduce environmental impact.

Representatives from JFE Engineering and Guun presented initiatives on heat and energy exchange with surrounding areas to support decarbonization goals.

Cebu is considering building its own WTE facility to convert solid waste into electricity, heat, or fuel to reduce pressure on landfills.

Officials are studying potential sites in Minglanilla and Danao City.

Additionally, Cebu City currently sends around 600 tons of garbage daily to provincial landfills.

“This is something that should have been done years ago. It’s time to start it here as part of a long-term waste management program,” Baricuatro said, citing Japan’s leadership in WTE technology and modern emissions control.

The delegation also met Japanese government officials and private sector partners to discuss trade, potential investments, and disaster resilience practices.

The mission followed Baricuatro’s earlier visit to Fujian, China, where she and her team studied WTE technology, healthcare integration, and trade opportunities.

Beyond infrastructure and environmental systems, Archival highlighted Japan’s investment in early childhood development.

The mayor said he observed how Japan supports its youngest citizens through play-based early education, outdoor and nature activities, community learning centers such as Kominkan, and volunteer tutoring programs like Kids’ Door for children from low-income families.

He said education in Japan extends beyond classrooms to parks and community halls through partnerships among parents, teachers, and local governments.

Archival added that sustainable cities are built not only with roads, bridges, technology, and large infrastructure projects, but also with strong foundations for children.

"We continue learning so we can bring home ideas that will help every Cebuano child grow, dream, and succeed. Because when we invest early, we build a brighter future for Cebu City," he said.(MyTVCebu)