As an initiative to enhance environmental education and in compliance with Republic Act 9275 otherwise known as the Clean Water Act, DMMMSU through the concerted efforts of the Environmental Management Unit (EMU), the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES), the TK Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), and NLUC Gender and Development Unit spearheaded a Webinar on Wastewater Management last 02-03 September 2021 via Zoom conferencing.
The environmental training which was participated in by local government officials and personnel, students and other professionals aimed to 1) Increase appreciation on RA 9275 and other legal requirements on wastewater management; 2) enhance environmental education particularly on wastewater management; 3) explore new approaches and technologies for wastewater management; and 4) strengthen partnership among local and international public and private entities.
On the first day of the said webinar, Engr. Ma. Theresa D. Flores, Engineer III of the Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division of DENR-Environmental Management Bureau 1 discussed the salient features of RA 9275 and DAO 2021-19 (Updated Water Quality Guidelines (WQG) and General Effluent Standards (GES) for Selected Parameters. In addition, Engr. Danae B. Camat of the La Union Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office talked on ‘La Union State of Blue Environment’. Further, local projects on wastewater management were presented by Engr. Sheila May Anongos, Administrative Officer IV (City ENRO, City of San Fernando, La Union) and Ms. Florence Rulloda, Officer-in-Charge, Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office (Bauang, La Union).
On the second day, Ms. Ma. Cristina Antonio, President of San Juan Resort, Restaurant and Hotel Association, Inc. based in San Juan, La Union emphasized the need to properly treat the generated wastewater in various tourism-support establishments in the Surf Town. Wastewater management technologies were also presented by industry providers. Mr. Allan Montecastro, President of Ad Victoriam Asia Enterprise, discussed the use of Membrane BioReactor as a holistic approach to sanitation and water management. In addition, Engr. Warly Mahusay of BNS BORDA discussed the concepts and benefits of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS). Lastly, Engr. Anil Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of ADS Enzymes Private Limited based in New Delhi, India explained the benefits of using enzymes in promoting water sanitation.
Water is a limited resource; hence, proper utilization should be undertaken to minimize wastage. Further, wastewater generated either from domestic, commercial, recreational and industrial sources should be treated using appropriate technologies to prevent pollution and other impacts to the health and environment. (Celso Jucutan)