A.

Water supply and sanitation

Local Waterworks and Utilities Administration (LWUA)
The Local Waterworks and Utilities Administration is a specialized lending institution
that promotes and oversees the development of provincial waterworks. It is also
entrusted with setting water quality and service standards for water districts.
Furthermore, it provides technical assistance and is sometimes involved in the districts
through board members.
P.D. 198 (May 25, 1973), the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973 created LWUA and
the water districts.[69] The decree authorized the formation, on local option basis, of
autonomous water districts to develop the local water supply systems and the
establishment of a national-level agency to cater to the needs of these water districts.
According to the LWUA website, to date, it has established 584 water districts covering
about 691 cities and towns outside Metro Manila. It has completed a total of 1,431 water
supply projects while extending P 17 billion in loans to the districts of which P11 million
has been availed to the benefit of some 12 million Filipinos with improved water.
National Water and Resources Board (NWRB)
The National Water Resources Board is the forefront government agency that handles
the Philippines' water sectors’ policies, regulations, and quasi-judicial functions. It acts
accordingly with the principles of the Integrated Water Resource Management
(IWRM) as it ensures the efficiency, conservation, utilization, development, and
protection of the state's water supply.
Rural Waterworks Development Corporation (RWDC)
Executive Order No. 577 which was passed last January 12, 1980, aims to provide full
coverage of water supply services in the country. In line with this, Rural Waterworks
Development Corporation was established to bring and administer water supply in areas
with less than 20,000 as population. RWDC works together with LWUA in determining
areas under their jurisdiction.
Department of Interior and Local Government
Concerning local government-managed systems, the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) define and enforces quality and performance standards. However,
in both cases, local governments retain the responsibilities for planning, financing, and
regulating water supply.
Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation
The Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) provides technical assistance
to local governments, communities, and non-profits on low-cost water supply and
sanitation options. It also engages in action research with households. It leads the
Philippines water sanitation and health (WASH) coalition of non-profit organizations and
local governments. It was created in 1990 under the name of International Training
Network (ITN) and adopted its current name in 1998.
Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers, Inc.
Financing and External Cooperation
Outside the privatized services in Metro Manila, one source of finance for water supply
is government grants channeled through the Local Water Utilities Administration
(LWUA) and the Municipal Development Funds Office (MDFO). But these are far from
sufficient to meet investment needs, which is why loan financing is necessary. Some
LGUs obtain loans from public banks such as the Development Bank of the Philippines
(DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and also from corporations in other
countries, such as the World Bank, and JICA from Japan (see below).
External development agencies that work on water supply and sanitation in the
Philippines include the ADB, GTZ, JICA, USAID, and the World Bank.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has assisted the government in increasing
sanitized water supply to different sectors in the Philippines. Through the MWSS New
Water Source Development Project, approved in 2003 and ended in October 2008, ADB
has contributed a total of US$3.26 million, whereas MWSS provided US$1.71 million.
The joint-project sought to develop up to 3 water source projects for Metro Manila and
to improve the financial management as well as the accounting and fiscal control
systems of MWSS. In 2008, studies for two water source projects were completed
emphasizing environmental and social impacts amidst water quality improvements.

In 2013, ADB made preparations of loans for financing (i) the Water District
Development Sector Project, (ii) the Urban Water and Sanitation Sector Project, (iii) the
Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project, and (iv) future technical assistance
and other lending activities to be discussed with the specific government agencies
involved.[74]
ADB was also able to release a report on the assessments of current conditions and
constraints to developing water supply and sanitation in the country, strategies to be
implemented to counter and solve these constraints, and road maps and plans on
a sustainable sanitation reality for all. The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Roadmap
and Plan (PSSR), included in the report, served as a guide for water sanitation efforts
as it presented the vision, goals, outcomes, outputs, activities, and inputs needed to
achieve an improved water quality nationwide. Approved by the subcommittee on Water
Resources in 2010, the Department of Health (DOH) has agreed to spearhead the
agenda by preparing a national sustainable sanitation plan based on the PSSR. The
DILG has also aligned its water and sanitation strategy with the requirements of the
PSSR.[75]
German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ)
The German Corporation for International Cooperation (GTZ, now GIZ) supported the
sector through the rural water supply and sanitation program, designed to improve the
living conditions of the poor in selected rural areas of the country. The program sought
to overcome the institutional confusion and to strengthen governmental organizations at
the national, provincial, and municipal levels. Its main partner was the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG). In addition, the decentralization plan of the
National Water Resources Board was supported. The program, which ran from 2006 to
2009, helped to introduce low-cost options for sanitation, such as urine-diverting dry
toilets, and the first Philippine constructed wetland, treating wastewater from about 700
households in Bayawan.
World Bank[edit]
The World Bank supports the Philippine water supply and sanitation sector through
various projects, often in collaboration with the government and the Land Bank of the
Philippines.
Manila Third Sewerage Project
In 2007, the World Bank approved an investment loan of US$5 million. The project
aimed to (i) assist the Philippine government in reforming institutions in order to attract
private investment in the wastewater sector, (ii) improve the coordination of institutions
responsible for preventing water pollution, and (iii) promote innovative wastewater
treatment techniques. The project, which ran from 2007 to 2012, provided technical
assistance as well as support for institutional coordination and private sector
involvement.
The project followed the Manila Second Sewerage Project, which was carried out from
1996 to 2005. After the privatization of MWSS, it was restructured in order to adapt it to
the new institutional framework. The objectives were to (i) reduce the pollution of
waterways in Metro Manila and its surrounding bays, (ii) reduce the health risks caused
by human exposure to sewage in Metro Manila, and (iii) establish a gradual low-cost
improvement of sewerage services in Metro Manila. From 1997 to 2005, the number of
people with sewer connections increased from 721,000 to 1,101,000 and the population
with regularly desludging septic tanks rose from only 1,600 to 288,000. The total cost of
the project was US$48.06 million.
Urban Water and Sanitation Project APL2
This project aimed to reach approximately 40 LGU-operated water systems, which were
given technical assistance and financial support. The four components of the project
were: to (i) finance civil works, equipment, and supervision for improved water supply
systems in LGUs, including private sector participation where feasible, (ii) finance
improved sanitation infrastructure, (iii) provide investment and assistance in micro-
drainage infrastructure, and (iv) provide funds for the hiring of a construction supervision
consultant and specialized consultants. The World Bank decided to contribute through a
US$30 million loan to the project, while the remaining US$5.2 million are financed by
local institutions. The project began in 2001 and ended in 2008.
The World Bank supports private sector participation through Design-Build-Lease
contracts and Long-Term Operation and Maintenance contracts between LGUs and
private operators. Therefore, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the
Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) channel financing from the World Bank to LGUs,
which engage private operators. Under the Design-Build-Lease contracts, valid for 15
years and renewable for an additional 15 years, a local private operator prepares,
builds, and operates a new water supply system. A World Bank loan channeled through
the DBP finances 90% of the construction cost, and the remainder is contributed
through the LGU. The water tariff must cover expenses for operation and maintenance,
as well as a lease fee and a return for the private operator.
Long-Term Operation and Maintenance contracts are used in LGUs which recruit a
private company to construct a new water supply system and later engage water
associations or user cooperatives to operate the system under the contracts, which are
awarded for 15 years with the possibility of renewal for another 15 years. Similar to the
Design-Build-Operate contracts, 90% of the construction cost of the water system is
financed with a World Bank loan channeled through the LBP. The water user groups are
required to work under commercial rules. They have full administrative, accounting and
financial autonomy.
Metro Manila Wastewater Management Project (MWMP)
Last 2012, the World Bank was able to approve a budget of $275 million for a project
aimed at improving wastewater collection and treatment practices in several catchment
areas of Metro Manila as well as Manila Bay's water quality. Also called the Metro
Manila Wastewater Management Program (MWMP), this project supports
investments from the Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) and Maynilad Water
Services, Inc. in increasing collection and wastewater treatment primarily from
households and establishments in the area. The project is divided into 2 components as
MWCI takes charge of the east zone and Maynilad the west zone, of the metropolitan.
With a budget of $193.4 million, investments by Manila Water include: (i) a sewage
treatment plant, and the necessary sewage lines, covering North and South Pasig, (ii)
the carrying out of other wastewater management investment sub-projects agreed upon
by the government, Land Bank of the Philippines, World Bank and MWCI.
With a budget of $178.3 million, investments by Maynilad include: (i) sewage treatment
plants and associated wastewater conveyance systems in Quezon City, Pasay,
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, and (ii) a septage treatment plant in the southern part
of Metro Manila.
With about 2 million cubic meters of wastewater generated daily, and only 17% of them
getting treated before disposal to water bodies around the metro, water pollution has
destroyed most of Manila Bay and the nearby Laguna de Bay. Manila Water and
Maynilad have both conceptualized a 25-year program that ensures 100% wastewater
collection and treatment for Metro Manila. With the MWMP, their efforts would be
supported and would not only aid in improving the current state of the surrounding
environment but also contribute a boost in recreational and tourism opportunities.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), along with the international
community striving to achieve the targets of United Nations’ Millennium Development
Goals (MDG), has been campaigning to make a significant reduction in the number of
people who still lack access to safe drinking water. Reliable water resources
management, improvement of access to water supply in urban areas, reduction of non-
revenue water (NRW), improvement of water/energy use, sustainable rural water
supply, and promotion of improved sanitation in developing countries are the main
issues that JICA prioritizes. In 2008, through the Development Bank of the Philippines,
about $200 million was loaned to the Philippines to fund local governments and
domestic private-sector companies for the development of water supply and sewerage
facilities. Despite the establishment of funding, financing will only be granted to water
utilities if the business management improves, hence JICA actively assists the water
supply utilities’ capacity development through practical cooperation with financial aid.
JICA not only works to improve access to safe drinking water in urban areas of
developing countries, but also aids water facilities with business planning and
management.

B. Proper Excreta Disposal

SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE PROVISIONS (SANITATION CODE)

(EXCERPTS FROM THE CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
P.D. 856-Signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Manila, 23 December 1975)

CHAPTER XVII - SEWAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL,

EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE
Sec. 71. Definition of Terms. As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall mean:
a. Public sewerage system - a system serving twenty-five (25) persons or more.
b. Septic tank - a water tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a
plumbing system or
part thereof, and is designed to accomplish the partial removal and digestion of
the suspended
solid matter in the sewage through a period of detention. Its construction shall be
in accordance
with specifications prescribed in this Chapter.
c. House sewer - the pipe line conveying sewage from the house or building to
the septic tank or
to any point of discharge.
d. Septic tank absorption bed or drain field - an underground system of pipes
leading from the
outlet of the septic tank, consisting of open-joined or perforated pipes so
distributed that the
effluent from a septic tank is oxidized and absorbed by the soil.
e. Effective capacity of a septic tank - the actual liquid capacity of a septic tank
as contained
below the liquid level line of the tank.
f. Effective depth of a septic tank - the actual liquid depth of a septic tank as
measured from the
inside bottom of the septic tank to the liquid level line.
g. Freeboard or air space of a septic tank - the distance as measured from the
liquid level line to
the inside top of the septic tank.
h. Distribution box - a small concrete receptacle between the septic tank and the
drain field from
which lines of drain tile extends and which acts as surge tank to distribute the
flow of sewage
equally to each line of drain tile.
i. Approved excreta disposal facilities shall mean any of the following:
1. Flush toilets properly connected to a community sewer;
 2. Flush toilets properly connected to a septic tank constructed in accordance
with this
Chapter;
3. Any approved type pit privy built in accordance with this Chapter; and
4. Any disposal device approved by the Secretary or his duly authorized
representative.

j. Privy - a structure which is not connected to a sewerage system and is used for
the reception,
disposition and storage of fees or other excreta from the human body.
k. Septic privy - where the fecal matter is placed in a septic tank containing water
and connected
to a drain field but which is not served by a water supply under pressure.
l. Box and can privy - a privy where fecal matter is deposited in can bucket which
is removed for
emptying and cleaning.
m. Concrete vault privy - a pit privy with a pit lined with concrete in such manner
as to make it
water tight.
n. Chemical privy - a privy where fecal matter is deposited into a tank containing
a caustic
chemical solution to prevent septic action while the organic matter is
decomposed.

Sec. 72. Scope of Supervision of the Department. The approval of the Secretary or his
duly authorized
representative is required in the following matters:
a. Construction of any approved type of toilet for every house including
community toilet which
may be allowed for a group of small houses of light materials or temporary in
nature;
 b. Plans of individual sewage disposal system and the sub-surface absorption
system, or other
treatment device;
c. Location of any toilet or sewage disposal system in relation to a source of
water supply;
d. Plans, design, data and specifications of a new and existing sewerage system
or sewage
treatment plant.
e. The discharge of untreated effluent of septic tanks and/or sewage treatment
plants to bodies
of water;
f. Manufacture of septic tanks; and
g. Method of disposal of sludge from septic tanks or other treatment plants.

Sec. 73. Operation of Sewage Treatment Works. Private or public sewerage system
shall:
a. Provide laboratory facilities for control tests and other examinations needed;
b. Forward to the local health authority operating data, control tests and such
other records and
information as may be required;
c. Inform the local health authority in case of breakdown or improper functioning
of the sewage
treatment works; and
d. Provide for the treatment of all sewage entering the treatment plant.
23

Sec. 74. Requirements in the Operation of Sewage Works and Sewage Treatment
Plants.
The following are required for sewerage works and sewage treatment plants:
a. All houses covered by the system shall be connected to the sewer in areas
where a sewerage
 system is available.
b. Outfalls discharging effluent from a treatment plant shall be carried to the
channel of the
stream or to deep water where the outlet is discharged.
c. Storm water shall be discharged to a storm sewer, sanitary sewage shall be
discharged to a
sewerage system carrying sanitary sewage only; but this should not prevent the
installation of a
combined system.
d. Properly designed grease traps shall be provided for sewers from restaurants
or other
establishments where the sewage carries a large amount of grease.

Sec. 75. Septic Tanks. Where a public sewerage system is not available, sewer outfalls
from residences,
schools, and other buildings shall be discharged into a septic tank to be constructed in
accordance
with the following minimum requirements:
a. It shall be generally rectangular in shape. When a number of compartments
are used, the first
compartment shall have a capacity from one-half to two-thirds of the total volume
of the tank.
b. It shall be built of concrete, whether precast or poured in place. Brick, concrete
blocks or adobe
may be used.
c. It shall not be constructed under any building and within 25 meters from any
source of water
supply.
Sec. 76. Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent. The effluent from septic tank shall be
discharged into a subsurface soil, absorption field where applicable or shall be
treated with some type of a
purification device. The treated effluent may be discharged into a stream or body
of water if it
 conforms to the quality standards prescribed by the National Water and Air
Pollution Control
Commission.

C. Solid Waste Management

INTENSIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

SECRETARY CIMATU’S MAIN PRIORITY IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR

ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY OUR AIR, WATER AND ADDRESS SOLID WASTE
PROBLEMS. THUS, THE DENR WILL BE IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS.

FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, OUR PRIORITY ACTIVITIES ARE THE

FOLLOWING: (1) CLOSURE OF DUMPSITES; AND (2) ESTABLISHMENT OF
MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRFS)

The Philippines has endeavored to improve its management of solid waste through the
passage of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act that provides for a
systematic, comprehensive and ecological waste management program to ensure the
protection of public health and the environment. It mandates the bureau to provide
secretariat support to the National Solid Waste Management Commission in the
implementation of the solid waste management plans and prescribes policies to achieve
the objectives of the National Ecology Center that is in charge of information
dissemination, consultation, education and training of various local government units on
ecological waste management.

The ecological solid waste management program is expected to assist Local

Government Units in implementing RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act particularly in the development of their 10 yr. SWM Plan, closure and rehabilitation
of dumpsites, establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities, and an environmentally
sound disposal system.

The issuance of Guidelines and provisions of technical support in the establishment and
operation of Waste To Energy facilities will enhance the sustainability of disposal
system for municipal residual wastes to all provinces and highly urbanized areas. The
significant contribution of this project is expected to enhance the economic development
of the country through formalizing the waste collection and recycling, and promotion of
job opportunities. It also helps the economy to reduce reliance on imported oils and
increased in power generation.