City inks circular cities agreement

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival expressed pride as Cebu City officially signed the Asia Circular Cities Declaration in Yokohama, Japan late last week.

He described the move as “a big step for our sustainable urban systems,” noting that the mission showed how cities can balance economic growth with environmental protection, especially in waste management and wastewater solutions.

Archival emphasized that through this partnership, Cebu City can strengthen its circular economy approach, reduce waste, and maximize resources for future generations, while continuing innovation and responsible development toward a “Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Cebu City.”

According to the United Nations Development Program, a circular economy is a system that minimizes waste and makes smarter use of natural resources.

Unlike the traditional “linear economy”, where resources are taken, used, and discarded, the circular economy keeps materials in use for as long as possible, reuses or recycles them, and even turns waste into valuable resources such as compost or energy.

This approach reduces pollution, protects nature, and makes cities healthier and more efficient.

The Asia Circular Cities Declaration was first launched in Yokohama during the Asia Smart City Conference in November 2025, with Yokohama as the initial signatory.

Supported by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Japan Office, the declaration invites Asian local governments to commit to circular economy practices and share solutions for sustainable urban growth.

Cebu City’s participation was reinforced by a benchmarking mission in Japan, where Archival and his delegation visited Yokohama and Tokyo to study how advanced cities apply circular economy principles.

Meetings with the mayor of Yokohama focused on regional cooperation and sustainable city frameworks, while discussions in Tokyo explored partnerships that support innovation, environmental protection, and efficient public services.

One of the highlights of the visit was observing how Japanese cities transform waste into electricity, reduce dependence on landfills, and operate highly efficient waste management systems.

These practices demonstrate that when managed properly, waste becomes a resource that contributes to energy production and environmental protection.

Archival pointed to lessons Cebu City can adopt from Japan’s model, including treating waste as a recoverable resource, investing in clean technologies, reducing long-term landfill costs through innovation, strengthening community discipline and participation, and integrating sustainability into overall urban planning.

By joining the Asia Circular Cities Declaration and learning from Japan’s experience, Cebu City aims to develop practical and affordable solutions that will result in cleaner barangays, more efficient waste systems, and new opportunities for sustainable energy. — (FREEMAN)