Septage Management Forum for Local Government Units

Septage Management Forum for Local Government Units
August 18-19, 2022 @ Camotes Tourist Inn, San Francisco, Camotes Island

Salient Points of the Forum – A narrative report
 
The forum commenced with a very welcoming message by Mayor Al Arquillano of the Municipality of San Francisco.  Arquillano cited the importance and urgency of septage management specially for the island of Camotes.
 
Acknowledgement of participants coming from the different local government units in the province and from other provinces in Region 7.  Also introduced the guests from SAMJIN – a service provider from Korea.
 
The purpose of the forum was fully rationalized by the Environmental Management Bureau, Regional Director Maribel B. Munsayac.  Munsayac shared her experiences from region 8 pertaining to the protection of land, air and water and the current status of region 7 in terms of compliance on the policies and regulation implemented and closely monitored by the bureau. 
 
The City of Naga shared the practices on the operation and management of its Septage Treatment Plant (STP).  The sharing also provided us walk through on how the city operates its STP. 
 
Based on the discussion and sharing, and after the presentation of SAMJIN, the technology introduced is of advantage to the LGU in terms of economic viability and its modular design.  On the hand, as to the operation and maintenance of the SAMJIN technology – it means that on top of the total cost of the STP equipment, it is an additional cost of the LGU to shoulder the salaries/wages of the SAMJIN technician for no prescribed period.  SAMJIN ensures that everything is negotiable and that they would be glad to accommodate invitation from the LGU for product presentation and negotiation. 
 
The forum was finally concluded with a tour showcasing the Camotes’ septage treatment facility and to the beautiful lake Danao.   With the major take away in mind that septage management is also in the pipeline of priorities of the local government of Bantayan as studied and presented in the proposed urban master plan.