Cebu City eyes pact with Nagoya, Japan

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council on Wednesday passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government of Nagoya City, Japan.

Authored by Councilor Joel Garganera and was approved by the council during its regular session, among the objectives of the MOU is for Cebu to forge a tie-up for a direct flight to Nagoya City and an exchange of cultural introductions.

In an interview, Garganera said the primary objective of the MOU is to promote tourism and culture between the two cities. He said these would support the city's plan to lobby for a direct flight route from Cebu to Nagoya and back.

Garganera said this MOU with Nagoya is significant in terms of economic contributions, as Nagoya is the birthplace of Toyota — an established and major transportation brand.

“And then they also have very rich culture,” said Garganera.

The MOU, Garganera said, is a mutual promotion, with no costs or money involved.

He clarified that the MOU is not the same as establishing a sister-city relationship with Nagoya, but added that the City is not shutting down the idea.

Garganera said the MOU also aims to strengthen economic ties with Japan, beginning with a mutual promotion of tourism and culture.

Currently, Garganera said Cebu already has direct flights to other cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Fukuoka and Osaka.

“Our airport is a very dynamic hub in Asia... so the more the direct flights, the better for us,” said Garganera.

Although the airport is located in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Garganera said both cities would collaborate in this undertaking to promote both Mactan and Cebu City, as a package.

While Cebu is usually associated with good beaches and dishes, such as lechon baboy (roasted pig), Garganera said the undertaking would also serve as a platform to promote the Cebu's cultural heritage—particularly Cebu City as the birthplace of Christianity in the Far East.

“So that is something that we are trying to promote to the world,” said Garganera.

He added that as Cebu City continues to progress in terms of infrastructure, it is fitting to promote its rich heritage, such as the downtown area like Fort San Pedro, Colon Street, among others.

Garganera said these are just some of the aspects the City Government want to showcase to the world, and this time, in Nagoya. (CEBU NEWS)