Japanese experts coming to teach Cebu City officials urban management

CEBU, Philippines - Technical experts from Yokohama City, Japan are coming soon to share to Cebu City officials their expertise on how to manage urban development.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Yokohama City Mayor Fumiko Hayashi signed a memorandum of understanding last week during Rama and other city officials’ visit to Japan.

Yokohama City officials agreed to share their expertise in the management of urban development, traffic, solid and water wastes, environmental protection, drainage and flood control measures.

Japanese experts will give technical advice to the city officials in the promotion of eco-city development. Part of the memorandum of understanding is for both parties to encourage participation of the private sector and academic organizations to realize the project.

Japanese technical experts are also set to visit the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill for them to make recommendations to the city government what to do with the old landfill which the city government has already closed.

Yokohama City used to face urban-related issues brought about by rapid industrialization and population expansion but was able to address it. After having able to overcome the problem, Yokohama City officials have committed themselves to helping other urban areas by sharing their expertise through their Y-Port program.

According to Yokohama officials, Cebu City is one of the progressive urban centers in the Philippines that is likely to experience problems brought about by the rapid urbanization and population growth.  (FREEMAN)