MCDCB Facilitates Grant for Septage Management

Metro Cebu is set to be the recipient of a one-billion peso grant-in-aid from the Government of Japan for the construction of septage treatment plants (STP) and strengthening of a septage management program which will help protect groundwater supply and improve overall sanitation.

The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) has been integral throughout this process in linking up the City of Yokohama, Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Province of Cebu, NEDA, DENR and concerned local government units to move the project forward.

Recently, JICA sent a technical team to Cebu to assess potential site locations, meet with local chief executives and regional government offices, and determine other requirements necessary for the project. During MCDCB’s third quarterly meeting held at the Captiol Building on September 21, the team shared the timeline for the project’s preparatory survey with the STP construction to begin in 2018.

Before returning back to Japan, the technical team met with Governor Davide, Chair of MCDCB, to discuss the project and formally sign the minutes of the meetings conducted during the technical mission. Representatives from MCWD, MCDCB, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 7 were also present during the signing.

The establishment of STPs in Metro Cebu was named as a priority short-term or flagship project of the Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu under the Sub-Roadmap for Wastewater Management, commissioned by MCDCB and conducted by JICA.

The project’s success will be determined by the willingness and commitment of various LGUs and involved government agencies willingness to work together. MCDCB, as an entity composed of Metro Cebu LGUs, regional line agencies of the national government, GOCCs, the private sector, and civil society, will continue to facilitate the project as a step towards achieving the Mega Cebu Vision 2050. (By Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board – Research, Program and Organizational Development (MCDCB RPOD))