As a strong and long-standing supporter of the Philippines’ sustainability agenda, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is once again bringing in innovative Japanese technology to promote a more modernized and environment-friendly production and consumption pattern in the automotive industry.
JICA and Japanese automotive recycling manufacturer, Tsuruoka co., Ltd held a grand launch of the Philippines’ first Japan-standard end-of-life vehicle (ELV) Dismantling Facility established by local partner EN-Tsumugi, in Pampanga province, the Philippines. The purpose of this facility is to effectively reuse the recycled parts of the ELVs, thereby promoting proper disposal and waste reduction and contributing to the circular economy.
In partnership with Tsuruoka, which developed an integrated recycling system called RECYINT, JICA supports the paradigm shift from a linear or “take, make, consume, and throw” model, to a circular economy that encourages the regeneration and reuse of materials to extend their value.
According to the feasibility study by Tsuruoka from 2020-2022 under JICA’s cooperation program, there is room and necessity to develop laws or regulations pertaining to the proper management and disposal of ELVs. With no proper treatment, they tend to end up as industrial wastes at junk shops and dump sites. This becomes even more alarming as the increasing volume of cars in the country continues to rise. To address this pressing challenge, JICA and Tsuruoka conducted a pilot study using the RECYINT system to assess the ELV-related needs in Metro Manila and adjacent areas. The study which started in July 2023 and is expected to be successfully completed in October 2024.
Apart from promoting resource efficiency by adopting this integrated recycling system, the project also seeks to evaluate the business and job-generating opportunities that ELVs present in the Philippines initially, and later, between the Philippines and Japan, and even in other interested countries.
During the ceremony, JICA Philippines Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema stressed that this was a multi-stakeholder collaboration and appreciated its corporate counterparts such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Mitsui, as well as its Philippine government partners. “I hope that our collective vision and efforts will echo through partners who will learn and apply Japanese technical know-how in the ELV recycling industry. Today, we mark an important milestone for the sustainable ELV recycling industry. It will be able to reduce negative environmental impacts as well as boost economy and improve the quality of life. I also envisage that this project will further enhance the closer ties between two countries with mutual trust and respect.”