Davao City is moving to accelerate its collaboration with Japan following a meeting between Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Thursday, aimed at firming up a strategic path toward modernization.
The meeting marked Kazuya’s second visit to the city, building on his initial engagement with Duterte in January 2025. Central to their discussions was the long-envisioned Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project, now gaining renewed urgency.
Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit of the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC), said the emphasis on the WTE initiative signals a shift in the city’s approach to environmental infrastructure.
“I think the highlight of their dialogue was the mutual urgency placed on the Waste-to-Energy project and the expansion of sister-city ties. It signals that the relationship is shifting from traditional infrastructure support to a sophisticated exchange of technology and culture that will benefit Dabawenyos for decades,” Cambaya told Edge Davao.
He added that the WTE collaboration is seen as a cornerstone of Davao’s environmental strategy, tapping Japanese expertise to address waste management concerns while promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Cambaya also underscored the broader significance of the engagement.
“The second meeting between Mayor Duterte and Ambassador Endo Kazuya was a pivotal moment that successfully transformed high-level diplomacy into a concrete roadmap for Davao’s future. By focusing on the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines friendship, they moved beyond simple courtesy and toward a long-term strategic alliance centered on sustainable modernization,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Japanese Consul General Ono Hirotaka, along with key city officials and members of the local council.
Cambaya noted that preparations for the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines friendship were also discussed during the meeting.
“As the two nations look toward the next chapter of their bilateral ties, the partnership between Davao City and Japan continues to evolve from a diplomatic courtesy into a robust, technology-driven alliance,” he added.
Kazuya previously visited Davao City in January last year, where he met with the mayor to discuss the WTE project, inspected the Davao City Bypass Road construction site, and engaged with members of the Japanese community.
