Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is advancing Cebu City’s circular economy agenda following an official learning visit to Yokohama and Tokyo, where the delegation focused on sustainable urban systems, waste-to-energy technologies, and circular development frameworks.
Archival said the trip highlighted how advanced cities manage waste by converting it into electricity and integrating environmental sustainability into broader urban planning.
The visit is part of Cebu City’s cooperation with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability under the Asian Circular Cities Declaration, which promotes circular development models among member local governments.
During the mission, the Cebu City delegation held meetings with the mayor of Yokohama to discuss regional circular city frameworks and sustainable governance practices.
In Tokyo, officials explored potential partnerships to support innovation, environmental protection, and efficient public service delivery.
A key focus was observing waste-to-energy facilities that transform solid waste into electricity while using advanced exhaust gas treatment systems to minimize environmental impact.
Archival said Japanese cities demonstrate that waste can be treated as a recoverable resource rather than merely disposed of in landfills.
He outlined principles Cebu City intends to adopt, including treating waste as a resource, investing in clean and socially accepted technologies, reducing long-term landfill costs through innovation, strengthening discipline and community participation, and embedding sustainability into urban planning.
By learning from Japan’s model, the mayor said Cebu aims to implement practical solutions leading to cleaner barangays, more efficient waste systems, and potential sustainable energy generation.
The visit drew criticism from Councilor Jun Alcover, who questioned its relevance and cost given the city’s ongoing garbage challenges.
Alcover asked why the mayor opted for an overseas learning mission instead of convening local stakeholders to tackle urgent waste concerns.
He also called for transparency on the delegation’s expenses and members, noting the City Council had already given in-principle approval to a waste-to-energy project.
Archival earlier said the Japan mission, held from February 25 to 27 in conjunction with Care Show Japan 2026, focused on two critical areas: flood control and waste management, including segregation and waste-to-energy systems.
He added that the visit also sought potential institutional partnerships to assist the city in implementing sustainable infrastructure and environmental programs.
Cebu City has reaffirmed its participation in the Asian Circular Cities Declaration and signaled its intent to align with global sustainability standards, potentially opening access to international funding institutions.
Despite criticisms, the mayor maintained that learning from established global models is part of building resilient systems to address Cebu’s long-standing landfill and waste management issues.
The city government said it remains committed to modern, environmentally responsible systems that benefit residents while balancing immediate waste concerns with long-term structural reforms. (LLP)
