Manila Bay establishments told to fix sewer lines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now requiring all establishments around Manila Bay to connect to existing sewer lines or set up their own sewerage treatment plants (STPs).

In a recently issued memorandum circular, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said establishments are required to either “connect to existing sewerage systems or to construct individual STPs” to ensure that wastewater is properly collected and treated.

The circular covers all government facilities, subdivisions, condominiums, commercial centers, hotels, sports and recreational facilities, hospitals, marketplaces, public buildings, industrial complex and other similar establishments.

As of now, only 15 percent of consumers are connected to sewer lines and as provided in the concession agreement, full sewer and sanitation coverage should be 100 percent by 2037.

“The Manila Bay region covered by the circular encompasses the entire bay coastline of 190 kilometers and the total drainage area of about 17,540 square kilometers across Central Luzon, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) and Metro Manila,” Cimatu said.

The circular is pursuant to the provisions of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and President Duterte’s administrative order expediting the rehabilitation and restoration of the coastal and marine ecosystem of Manila Bay.

On Jan. 27, the DENR launched the three-phase rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Two months later, it has issued hundreds of notices of violation and cease and desist orders to establishments found to have violated pertinent environmental laws.