Manila– The Project DeWAMS team of the De La Salle University expressed their interest in a research collaboration with the Municipal Government of Kalibo on sanitation and wastewater management during the workshop held on January 26, 2023, at the Ati-Atihan County Inn, Kalibo, Aklan.
Ceremonial MOU signing. From left to right: Ms. Giselle Quimpo (Executive Assistant II, Kalibo LGU). Hon. Juris B. Sucro (Municipal Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan), and Dr. Arnel Beltran (Project Leader, Project DeWAMS)
Under Project DeWAMS, the said activity in collaboration with the Kalibo LGU and other stakeholders aims to discuss the current situation and plans of the LGU for sanitation and wastewater management; demonstrate and seek feedback on the proposed planning guide for the degree of centralization and technology matrix; review and discuss the existing policies related to sanitation and wastewater management; and foster the research partnership between DLSU and Kalibo LGU.
Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla, on behalf of the NRCP, gave his welcoming remarks and thanked the Kalibo LGU for their utmost support for this project’s initiative.
Introduction of Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla as Project Member and Governing Board of the National Research Council of the Philippines
Dr. Renan Ma. Tanhueco discussed the criteria for the degree of centralization for wastewater treatment using the information and documents provided by the Kalibo LGU.
Demonstration of the Planning Guide for Degree of Centralization for Wastewater Management Systems led by Dr. Renan Ma. Tanhueco
Hon. Cynthia Dela Cruz, M.D., Vice Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan, attended the workshop and presented Ordinance No. 2018-041 (An Ordinance Establishing a Proper Sewage Treatment and Septage Management System in the Municipality of Kalibo and Prescribing Penalties for Violations Therefore).
Group photo with Hon. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, M.D., Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Kalibo, Aklan
During the afternoon session, Dr. Aileen Orbecido and Engr. Regina Damalerio presented the technology matrix for on-site, decentralized, and centralized management systems. Dr. Ador Torneo, Director of Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JRIG) led the discussion about the barriers and policies related to sanitation and wastewater management, with Mark Davin Sajonas and Jose Maria Victor Pascual.
Technology matrix for on-site, decentralized, and centralized wastewater management systems led by Dr. Aileen Orbecido and Engr. Regina Damalerio
Discussion of Policies Related to Sanitation and Wastewater led by Dr. Ador Torneo, Mr. Mark Davin Sajonas, and Mr. Jose Maria Victor Pascual
The team also had a courtesy call with Hon. Frolibar S. Bautista, Municipal Mayor of Malay, Aklan.
Courtesy visit to the Municipal Mayor of Malay, Aklan last Jan 27, 2023
Several project members from DLSU, including Dr. Kathleen Aviso, Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering, and Dr. Ma. Catriona Devanadera, project collaborator of the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, also attended and participated in the review of the existing policies related to sanitation and wastewater management.
Group photo with the members of the Municipal WaSH Planning Team, Municipal WaSH Technical Working Group, and representatives from the Metro Kalibo Water District, Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS)
Funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines, the Decentralized Approach to Domestic Wastewater Management System in the Philippines: A Systematic Review and Policy Recommendations Project (Project DeWAMS) is conducted from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.