Jica to fund Mandaue City model town study

LAPU LAPU CITY, Cebu—Mandaue City has been chosen for the Low Carbon Model Town project of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Energy Working Group.

An Apec low carbon town refers to an area in the region which has a clear target on CO2 emission reduction, comprehensive measures to achieve it for sustainable development and the mechanism to monitor the progress of the CO2 emission reduction efforts.

The Philippines nominated Mandaue City because it has a comprehensive plan involving land use, green building and transportation, Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said earlier.

The selection entitles Mandaue City to a feasibility study grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

The announcement of Mandaue City’s selection for the project, which is now on its sixth phase,  was made by Japan during a meeting here of the Apec Energy Working Group, according to Department of Energy OIC Zenaida Monsada.

Monsada chaired the 12th Apec Energy Ministers Meeting.

Although the amount was not divulged, the funding will help the city determine policies and select technologies to realize its targets for urban planning as well as for developing “green” buildings and energy efficient transportation, officials said.

Details of the project and the grant will be discussed soon, said James Abadia, city manager of Mandaue.

The goal under the Mega Cebu roadmap, which will guide Mandaue City’s proposed “green” development, is to establish an integrated mass transport system and a cluster of growth areas with “green” buildings.

The local government of Mandaue City has a clear CO2 emission reduction target  and has long been crafting measures to establish a sustainable city to address air pollution and traffic congestion. Its project aims to develop green growth areas and interconnect these areas within Metro Cebu. An ordinance promoting disaster-resilient buildings in the city was urged.