NAGA, Cebu, Philippines — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the city of Yokohama have expressed interest in partnering with Cebu in terms of urban development and the environment.

JICA and Yokohama City officials visited Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia recently to express intentions of forging partnership and cooperation with the city and province of Cebu.

"We are willing to partner and cooperate with the local governments for the progress of Cebu," said Tanaka Yasushi, JICA deputy director general for Southeast Asia and Pacific.

Yasushi said the agency is interested in linking up with Cebu especially in common issues relating to urban development and the environment, two issues that can propel the growth of Cebu.

"We hope Cebu will join us through Capitol or through the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB)," said Kuromizu.

The MCDCB is composed of cities and towns within Metro Cebu and of various line agencies involved in Cebu’s development.

Kimihiro Kunomizu, Yokohama's director for international cooperation, said the Japanese city is willing to forge a memorandum of understanding with Cebu in those areas.

"It's good for our future together," said Kunomizo.

Garcia, for her part said she believes the plan will be beneficial to Cebu. She also indicated that she will make a trip to Yokohama as soon as she receives a written invitation from the Yokohama officials.

“I’m hopeful that we will be able to achieve beneficial relations with JICA in the agency’s wish to help us and the MCDCB,” said Garcia.