Japanese city to help develop environmental projects in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The government of Kitakyushu City in Japan will be helping the Cebu City government in developing environmental projects in the field of electronic, hazardous, and solid waste management.

This after Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Kitakyushu City Mayor Kenji Kitahashi signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday for International Environmental Cooperation between two cities yesterday in Japan.

Osmeña led the city’s delegates to attend the e-waste recycling training program, which began on Wednesday and will end today.

Officials of Cebu City who are with the mayor for the seminar are Councilors Eugenio Gabuya, Jr., Nendell Hanz Abella, and Department of Public Services head Roberto Cabarrubias.  The Kitakyushu City Government also invited Buhisan Barangay Captain Gremar Barete, Talamban Barangay Captain Dario Arcilla, Lahug Barangay Captain Jovito Taborada, and suspended Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia.

Executive Assistant II Lito Vasquez of Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office said there was a series of meeting between the two cities last year on the management of electronic waste and other hazardous waste in Cebu City.

“February last year, naa’y ordinance mandating the separate collection of household’s hazardous wastes sa city. It should not be mixed with the ordinary wastes. Karon, wala pa ta’y system ana nga in place, so hopefully sa visit nila, makakuha sila’g information didto,” he said.

Household hazardous wastes include blasted lamps, cell phones, and batteries among others.

The City of Kitakyushu will offer technical advice in promoting the sustainable development of the City of Cebu.

Also, there will be a joint working group to plan, prepare, and recommend program as well as monitor and evaluate the progress of cooperation under the MOU. (FREEMAN)