On July 6, the Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) and the Baliwag Water District (BWD) in Bulacan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that established a partnership to develop Puerto Princesa City’s septage management program. PPCWD General Manager Antonio Jesus Romasanta and BWD General Manager Artemio Baylosis signed the MOU. With the MOU, the two government-owned water utilities will develop and implement a joint work plan that will finalize the feasibility study, program of work and terms of reference for Puerto Princesa’s proposed septage management program. The PPCWD will benefit from the exchange of good practices, expertise and technology in establishing and managing a septage management facility through workshops, remote coaching and mentoring, study visits and on-thejob training. After receiving USAID assistance in establishing its septage facility, BWD is committed to supporting other water utilities improve the quality and access of their sanitation services through mentoring and twinning arrangements. USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project facilitated the partnership, and is working with the PPCWD to improve its sanitation delivery services.

Source: Manila Environment Weekly Update
Photo Credits: USAID-SURGE