Marco Deligero | November 29, 2017
Students and professors of University of San Carlos (USC) joined the first City Climate Scan Challenge to learn about issues Cebu City is dealing with as a result of rapid urbanization and climate change, particularly, concerning its water resources and waste management.
City Climate Scan is a joint project initiated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI), Vriendschapsband Haarlemmermeer Cebu, and the City of Cebu. The objective is to study over a short period how climate change affects the future of cities based on findings using different parameters. It has been conducted in various cities around the world, and Cebu is the first in the Philippines to participate.
The field study conducted from October 8 to 13 provided a platform for USC to collaborate with counterparts from Rotterdam University of Applied Science (Netherlands), National University of Applied Science (Taiwan), and National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan) in opening discussions on strategies and innovative solutions while encouraging comprehensive planning and strong collaboration among stakeholders.
The City Climate Scan Challenge kicked off at Cebu City Hall with a primer on Cebu’s current water and waste situation as presented by Engr. Cindylyn Pepito of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Region 7, Ms. Nida Cabrera, head of the City Environment Natural Resources Office, and Engr. Lemuel Canastra from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District. This was followed by a series of lectures and site visits prior to actual field study.
Participants were divided into groups and deployed to different study areas to interview local residents, conduct stakeholder analysis, and expert consultations.
For the week’s culminating activity on October 13, Mega Cebu held a special edition of its Understanding Choices Forum, focusing on the theme Waste and Water Management amidst Rapid Urbanization and Climate Change. Here, the USC participants gathered with stakeholders, LGU representatives, and organizations at RAFI Plenary Hall to review findings.
The morning session was devoted to a “pressure cooker test” wherein students gave a timed presentation of their findings and proposed solutions to the identified problems to a panel of judges.
Later that day, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between RAFI and Rotterdam University of Applied Science – Institute of Built Environment for a partnership that pushes for better collaboration between the two parties to address water management in Cebu.
RAFI was represented by Ms. Domi Chua, President and COO, and Ms. Evelyn Nacario-Castro, Executive Director of the RAFI Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center. Mr. Rick Heikoop, a Senior Lecturer on Water Management represented Rotterdam University of Applied Science – Institute of Built Environment.
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