Cebu City, Netherlands tie up for climate mitigation plan

To improve water management and climate adaptation measures, the Cebu City Government has partnered with its sister-city Dutch City Haarlemmermeer and some universities in the Netherlands in introducing mitigation programs.

Last June 10, the delegates from Cebu City led by Mayor Tomas Osmeña met with Dutch experts to explore possibilities for future cooperation in water quality measuring with underwater drones, flood management, low-cost waste water treatment and plastic waste management.

But before this, Osmeña, on behalf of the City Government, will have to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Haarlemmermeer, Hanze University and Rotterdam University.

Alvin Dizon, Office of Sister-cities Relations commissioner, said the MOU is being drafted and that as soon as the agreement is made official, the City will tap community stakeholders for the program.

Among those that have been considered are the University of San Carlos and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., he said.

“We are actively engaging with our sister cities abroad and other international institutions in advancing climate action especially in water and waste management program. Today, as we observe unprecedented changes in the climate system caused by human activities, it is both urgent and critical for Cebu to take apt action,” Dizon said.

The mayor and some City Hall officials were in the Netherlands last week to celebrate the 25th sister-city anniversary of Cebu City and Haarlemmermeer.