The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB), through the Research, Program and Organizational Development (RPOD), in partnership with the City of Yokohama, organized the Metro Cebu Urban Development Forum and Networking Event last October 30, 2018, at the Seda Hotel.

The forum aimed to bring together the public and private sectors of Yokohama and Metro Cebu to discuss business ideas and possible solutions to urban development challenges in Cebu, such as flooding and traffic congestion. The gathering also highlighted the importance of the involvement and engagement of the private sector in addressing challenges concerning city-region development.

Dominica Chua, MCDCB co-chairperson and RAFI president and COO, welcomed guests and participants, which included the representatives of the private sector from the City of Yokohama headed by Ken Akaoka, executive director for International Affairs Bureau of the City of Yokohama. Chua stressed in her welcome remarks the impact that the partnership has had on the development of Metro Cebu.

After the presentation of Roland Lastimosa of Talisay City on the Mega Cebu Development Goals (MCDGs), MCDCB’s five-year action plan to address important issues which include solid waste management and traffic management, among others, the representatives from the private sector of Yokohama City followed with their presentations on the different technologies they had to offer.

Among the topics discussed were wastewater management in public and private facilities and low-carbon initiatives to promote the Province of Cebu Low-Carbon Development Ordinance. 

In his closing remarks, Akaoka expressed his gratitude to the partnership and excitement to the future collaborations that could result out of the forum.

The MCDCB and the City of Yokohama have long been partners in terms of city-region development for Metro Cebu. Both parties have benefitted in such a way that valuable lessons were learned in community building and development.

The Governance and Linkages Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI-G&L) seeks to foster responsive institutions and an engaged citizenry through awards and recognition, good governance and leadership development programs, and active linkages and platforms of engagement and collaboration.

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