Cebu, Philippines—JCI Cebu has officially launched an environmental sustainability partnership with JCI Japan. The partnership aims to enhance waste management practices and foster long-term ecological impact. Set to begin in the first quarter of 2025, it will improve waste segregation, reduce carbon emissions, and provide job opportunities in a chosen barangay.
The event commenced with a visit to Guun, a company located in Consolacion, Cebu, that specializes in converting waste into fluff fuel. Companies such as Apo Cement utilize this alternative fuel, which helps to replace coal and reduce carbon emissions. The delegation, which included Jefferson Ombe, President of JCI Cebu, and Oizumi Wataru, Chairperson of the Sustainable International Development Commission from JCI Japan, was given a guided tour of Guun’s operations by General Manager Hiroshi Haraki and Manager Prettie Acop-Jalang.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with JCI Japan on this environmental initiative,” said Nel Luceno, Vice President for Community Development for JCI Cebu. “This project will promote sustainability and create local job opportunities, empowering residents of the selected barangay to participate in waste management and recycling actively.”
Following the tour at Guun, the delegation visited Barangay Duljo, where they engaged with local officials and assessed areas where effective waste segregation practices are lacking. They also observed a local river severely affected by pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for improved waste management systems.
“This project will be challenging, but the impact it will have on the community and the environment will be lasting,” remarked Oizumi Wataru of JCI Japan. “Through collaboration, we can make real progress.”
The visit was organized by the External Department of JCI Cebu, under the leadership of EVP Jurex Suson, VP Business Development Adrian Tan, and VP Linkages Ryan Legaspi, alongside the Community Development Team, which included VP Nel Luceno, Director Aljon Malinis, and Project Chairs Paul Pastor, Ajay Jimenez, and Jericho Moratin. This teamwork facilitated the successful execution of the day’s activities and established a foundation for a robust partnership.
Both organizations concluded the day by summarizing the project’s goals and outlining the next steps. The initiative will focus on educating communities about waste segregation, enhancing local infrastructure, and offering employment opportunities for residents involved in recycling and waste management efforts. Residents in the selected barangay will receive training to manage and implement these systems, thus contributing to environmental preservation and community development.
In a show of solidarity, JCI Cebu and JCI Japan exchanged tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the beginning of their meaningful collaboration to build a sustainable future for Cebu.
“We are excited about the positive impact this project will bring,” added Nel Luceno. “By working together, we can address environmental challenges and empower communities with the skills and knowledge to create lasting change.”
This partnership between JCI Cebu and JCI Japan paves the way for future initiatives to confront climate change and promote sustainable waste management practices across the region.
