Japanese eco official wants ties with Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Newly appointed Minister of Economic Affairs of the Japanese Embassy in Manila, Akio Isomata, proposed a sisterhood relation between Cebu Province and a Prefecture in Japan.

The proposal was made during the visit of Isomata yesterday at the office of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia as courtesy call after he was appointed to the position.

 “We would welcome the proposal from a chosen Prefecture of their choice for Cebu to enter into a sisterhood relationship with,” Garcia said.

The governor said she observed that Isomata is knowledgeable of Cebu as during their talk, he sounded already familiar with what her administration has been done in the past seven years.

The proposed sisterhood relations came after Isomata mentioned Cebu’s sister provinces in China and promised to convey the sentiments of Garcia to the Japanese Embassy.

 “They are in the best position to know which province in Japan would be most appropriate where both our provinces would share similarities and common interest,” Garcia said.

Isomata expressed appreciation for the wholehearted support and assistance the Province of Cebu constantly extended to Japanese companies and nationals in the province.

Big Japanese employers in Cebu include Cebu Mitsumi in Danao City , the Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Balamban, Taihiyo Cement in Naga City and some locators at the Mactan Export Processing Zone.

Although he expressed concern on the power situation in Cebu, Isomata said he was happy to learn from Garcia that power plants that can generate additional power capacity up to 436 megawatts will be completed this year.

He noted the achievements that have been put in place in Cebu which include infrastructures and services and international relations with strategic partner-provinces in the international level.

Isomata raised the issue on peace and order in Cebu but Garcia explained to him that peace and order is given utmost priority and because of the all-out-war, Cebu achieved the insurgency free status.

Isomata confirmed that before his visit, he was already informed about the stable peace and order situation in Cebu.

 “The performance of Cebu will speak for itself and that this will attract more foreign investors especially from Japan,” Garcia said. (FREEMAN)