Water solutions firm eyes expansion in key Philippine areas

CEBU, Philippines — SparkoTech Engineering Solutions Co., a water solutions company, is expanding across the island provinces of the Philippines to support sustainable tourism by addressing environmental challenges, particularly water contamination and wastewater management.

Following the success of its award-winning Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in El Nido, Palawan—implemented through Palawan Water in partnership with the El Nido local government unit (LGU)—SparkoTech aims to bring its technology to key tourist destinations, including Cebu, Bohol, and even Siargao. This initiative seeks to mitigate environmental risks associated with increased tourism and the lack of proper wastewater treatment facilities.

SparkoTech Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ann Michelle Cardenas, a Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu, led the development of the country’s first integrated green STP during her tenure as head of Palawan Water. Under her leadership, the El Nido STP gained recognition from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and international organizations, including Water.org—co-founded by engineer Gary White and Hollywood actor Matt Damon—significantly contributing to the ecological preservation of the island municipality.

Cardenas emphasizes that responsible tourism is a shared obligation, and she now leads SparkoTech’s expansion to replicate this success nationwide.

A Sustainable Solution for Tourism and Communities

Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) purify wastewater for reuse in gardening, agriculture, and other non-potable applications, ensuring compliance with DENR-Environmental Management Bureau and National Water Resources Board (NWRB) standards. STPs are mandated for many industries, particularly in tourism-heavy areas, under Republic Act 9275, also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

Beyond tourism establishments, RA 9275 also requires STPs for hospitals, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and residential developments that generate significant wastewater. In some areas, desludging septic tanks and connecting to centralized sewage treatment systems are also mandated.

The facility processes biodegradable solid waste and sludge through anaerobic digestion, a process where bacteria break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

According to Cardenas, one cost-effective approach is the establishment of shared STPs managed and operated by local governments. This model allows businesses and households to connect to a centralized wastewater treatment facility, reducing individual costs while ensuring proper wastewater management.

She envisions expanding this shared STP model, emphasizing that establishments need not invest heavily in their treatment facilities. Instead, they can benefit from LGU-led initiatives that promote community-wide wastewater management.

Beyond its environmental impact, the El Nido STP has proven to be financially viable. In 2023, the project generated P26 million in revenue. A feasibility study suggests an annual revenue potential of P60 million once full capacity is reached.

The environmental benefits have also been significant. DENR records indicate that coliform and E. coli levels in El Nido’s waters have decreased by 40 percent over the past two years, largely due to improved wastewater treatment and segregation efforts.

Innovating Sustainable Water Infrastructure

In September 2021, the Philippines’ first solar-powered water treatment plant began operations in El Nido, marking a major step toward sustainable infrastructure. The P490-million facility aims to provide a long-term solution to El Nido’s water crisis while complementing the town’s booming tourism industry. It is expected to generate savings of P170 million over the next decade.

Using advanced water treatment technology similar to Singapore’s, the plant ensures that treated and recyclable water meets stringent environmental standards.

Managed by the Palawan Water Specialized Technical Office and installed under the administration of former Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, the facility enhances El Nido’s sewage system while preserving its pristine natural attractions.

The project also mitigates groundwater contamination and protects marine ecosystems, reinforcing a sustainable future for both tourism and local communities. So far, Palawan Water has developed over 90 water supply systems using surface water, deep wells, and desalination technology.

The STP integrates renewable energy sources such as solar and biomass to minimize operational costs. Unlike traditional treatment facilities that rely heavily on chemicals and high electricity consumption, this innovative plant can process wastewater for as little as P15 per cubic meter.

Additionally, this solar-powered STP not only treats wastewater but also incorporates a comprehensive approach to waste management by generating biogas from biodegradable waste. As a result, the plant can produce electricity and even offer excess power to the community.

A Game-Changer for El Nido and Beyond

El Nido, one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations, attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually. However, rapid development has strained its water and waste management systems.

According to Engr. John Gil Ynzon, head for Palawan Water, the treatment plant processes 100 percent of the town’s wastewater and generates 320 kilowatts of energy through its biomass system. The facility also utilizes a 50-kilometer High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline for efficient water transport.

As of early 2024, 60 percent of El Nido’s establishments—350 out of 700 commercial businesses—have connected to the system. However, residential adoption remains a challenge, with only 75 out of 700 households participating. To encourage more connections, the El Nido LGU has subsidized connections for 100 households.

The project’s success has attracted interest from other island municipalities, including Coron and areas in the Visayas, where discussions are underway to implement similar wastewater treatment systems.

Despite challenges in waste segregation and household participation, long-term adoption of the system remains the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible option.

With strong political will and environmental stewardship, this pioneering green treatment plant serves as a model for the rest of the Philippines, proving that sustainable development and economic growth can go hand in hand, added Cardenas. — (FREEMAN)