Cebu City seeks grant from JICA

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City hopes to get “greener” at no cost as city officials work on an application for a possible project grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

City Mayor Michael Rama, along with councilors Nestor Archival and Joel Garganera and some of the mayor’s workforce, met representatives from Yokohama to discuss the possible new partnership.

“Naay mga grants si JICA in collaboration sa mga cities sa Asia. Usa ana ang Pilipinas and sa Pilipinas, usa ana ang Sugbo nga tan-aw nako makabenipisyo ana,” Archival told The Freeman in an interview.

Garganera, in a Facebook post, disclosed that this is under the joint crediting mechanism (JCM) promoted by the government of Japan.

Garganera added the representatives from Yokohama introduced zero/low-carbon technologies for Cebu City.

Yokohama and Cebu City are set to explore the application of renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and other energy-saving and efficient technologies.

“As chairman of the committee on Environment and Natural Resources, I fully support the partnerships and the exploration of these technologies,” Garganera added.

Garganera believes it will not only be for the benefit of Cebu City but for the planet Earth in general.

Archival, an environmentalist, is also excited about the possibilities of a project grant.

Though belonging to the opposition camp, Archival said he, Rama and others have a good working relationship and that he is also in full support of the city applying for a grant.

“Ang nindot sa council karon, maglalis gyud mig taman sa ginhawa, pero ako nothing personal. Kung mangimbitar sila nako, muadto gyud ko…Wa gyud koy problema ana, but kung tan aw nako di mao, mulalis gyud ko ana,” added Archival.

According to sources, Japan is giving the grants as it is concerned about the reduction of greenhouse gases. It also wants to showcase projects like those in Yokohama, including solar, electronic parking, and reduction of electricity cost and e-vehicles.

“Sa akong office, sa office ni councilor Garganera and sa City planning, naghimo mig suggestions og asa ta pwede mas maayo mo-apply for Cebu City,” Archival said.

For Archival’s side, he is looking into solar-powered energy as he is also pushing for a resolution for City-maintained buildings to have solar power.

Archival is also interested in electronic parking.

He said they are working on a resolution concerning the city’s application for a possible grant from JICA with the deadline already set April 10.

“Amo ning panghingusgan na ma-file ni dayon and ma-approve sa City Council kay nindot kaayo ni na opportunity for Cebu City,” Archival said.  – JMD (FREEMAN)