Cebu City, Nagoya to boost ties

THE Cebu City Council has given its nod to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at formalizing cooperation with the government of Nagoya, Japan, a move expected to significantly boost cultural exchange, tourism, and direct air connectivity between the two cities.

The approved resolution, authored by Councilor Joel Garganera, was passed on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

In a phone interview on Friday, May 23, Garganera underscored the economic significance of the pact, highlighting Nagoya City’s status as the home of car manufacturer Toyota and its rich cultural heritage, notably the iconic Nagoya Castle.

Garganera clarified that the MOU is primarily a mutual promotional agreement and does not involve any financial disbursements from the two cities.

He also noted that while the MOU does not constitute a sister-city partnership, it could potentially pave the way for such an alliance in the future, given its focus on culture and tourism.

A key benefit of the MOU, according to Garganera, is its contribution to the establishment of direct airline routes between Cebu City and Nagoya.

He pointed out that direct flights already exist in Japanese cities like Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka, and increasing air links would further stimulate economic growth, cultural exchange, and tourism.

Although flights would be directed to Lapu-Lapu City, Garganera said that the whole island of Cebu will benefit from this development.

He said that as long as many flights will be directed to Cebu, the culture of Cebu City can be exposed.

“Cebu City is a very unique part of culture and tourism, because sometimes when we say Cebu, what is portrayed are beaches, lechon… but we also have a very unique showcase which is the heritage,” Garganera said, while emphasizing the importance of promoting Cebu’s heritage, particularly the downtown heritage area, to a global audience.

The MOU is set to be actualized once the necessary documents reach the Office of the Mayor.  / JPS