The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) clarified that their organization is not funding the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project in Davao City following the call of environmental groups and residents requesting that it withdraws its support from the project.
“We would like to clarify that JICA is neither funding nor implementing the WTE facility project in Davao City,” Ide Soichiro, JICA senior representative, said in a letter sent to SunStar Davao, dated January 26, 2023.
On January 9, 2023, environmental groups that conducted a people’s forum with some residents who will be affected by the WTE project, have called anew on the government to stop its planned establishment of a incineration facility in the city.
"We hope JICA will reconsider their position to support the WTE project considering this goes against the global trend,” GB Villocino, Advocacy Officer of Masipag Mindanao, a network of farmers and a member of environmental groups in Davao City, said in an interview with SunStar Davao on January 16, 2023.
Meanwhile, JICA said they were only tasked to conduct a study on WTE project.
JICA emphasized that they also care about climate change issues and will continue to support environmental-related initiatives in the country.
“On our part, JICA will continue to support environmental management, natural environment preservation, and other sectors towards sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth,” Soichiro said.
He said they are determined to continue working with all stakeholders to help in the country’s development. KSD