Russia, Turkey show interest to help Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government is getting a boost after receiving pledges of help and partnership from different countries, from tourism to traffic and even on the garbage problem.

Councilor James Cuenco is in Antakya City, Hatay, Turkey representing Cebu City being the chairman of the Committee on Sister Cities Relations and Big Brother Program for the Expo 2021 Hatay.

In a video message, Cuenco disclosed that Cebu City is the only city in the world included in the expo, forging sisterhood between the two cities.

According to Cuenco, this expo is aimed at “raising awareness, sharing transformation, encourage advancement, and transferring experiences by introducing the deep-rooted history, values, and cuisine of Hatay to the world including Cebu City.”

“Nakig-estorya na kita sa Mayor (of Antakya) ug sa pipila ka adlaw, magpadayon kining atong panagsulti mahitungod sa giunsa nato pagpalambo ang atong syudad sa Sugbo,” added Cuenco.

With Hatay known for its overall development of infrastructure and transportation networks, Cuenco is also looking to learn the best practices that can be duplicated in Cebu City as well.

“Motabang sila sa matang sa teknolohiya..matang sa traffic management nga kinahanglan kaayo nato diha sa Sugbo aron ma-menus menus intawn atong traffic,” added Cuenco.

Being the chairman on the Committee on Transportation as well, Cuenco looks forward to getting tips and studies on how to improve the city’s mass transport system.

Cuenco also said he also looks forward to learning their best practices concerning the environment.

Aside from that in Turkey, the Cebu City government earlier also received pledges of support concerning the environment with garbage as its main focus.

Convenors of the upcoming Solid Waste Management Summit met with representatives from the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), UN-Habitat, UK Embassy, and Netherlands Embassy, according to a report from the city’s Public Information Office.

WB environmental specialist Agnes Balota said they can provide technical assistance to the city in conducting pre-feasibility studies for projects it wants to pursue and even on funding through development partners.

JICA representatives also expressed their desire to help, just like before.

UK Embassy, which has an existing partnership with the city government for the Global Future Cities Program (GFCP), has also said they will also be sharing about solid waste management.

Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlo has also has proposed a partnership with the city government in developing activities that would spur more tourism and economic growth in Cebu.

During a courtesy call to Mayor Mike Rama on Sunday morning, the Russian Ambassador said that although the pandemic may have halted tourism activities due to health restrictions, promoting both Cebuano and Russian cultures would encourage tourism growth now that travel is more lenient.

Forging strong connections with the city government would entice foreign travelers to experience what the city has to offer, Pavlov believed. —   GMR (FREEMAN)