2.

10 Philippines

1 | Country Information Resources Board (NWRB). Around 421 have catchment

areas of over 40 km 2. There are 18 with areas over
Table 2.10.1 Basic indicators
1,400 km2 (typologically classified as major river basins),
Land Area (km2) 300,000 (2020)*
occupying over a third (i.e., 108,923 km2) of total land
Total Population 104.9 million (2017)* area, as shown in Table 2.10.2. Owing to their significance
GDP (current USD) 376.8 billion (2019)** for water sources for industry, agriculture and domestic
uses, and ecological stability, the government considers
GDP per capita (current USD) 3,512 (2019)**
protection and conservation of these rivers a high
Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,348 (2017)***
priority for overall socio-economic development and
Total Renewable Water Resources (km3) 479 (2017)*** sustainability.
Total Annual Freshwater Withdrawals 92.75 (2017)***
(billion m3) Table 2.10.2 Major River basins in the Philippines
Agriculture 73.28% (2017)*** Name of Catchment Area River Length
Annual Freshwater River Basin (km 2) (km)
Withdrawals Industry 17.09% (2017)***
by Sector Cagayan 25,649 505
Municipal
(including domestic) 9.63% (2017)*** Mindanao 23,169 373
*Estimated (Sources: **BSP 2020, ***FAO AQUASTAT 2020) Agusan 10,921 350
Pampanga 9,759 260
Agno 5,952 206
Abra 5,125 178
Pasig-Laguna de Bay 4,678 78
Bicol 3,771 136
Abulug 3,372 175
Tagum-Libuganon 3,064 89
Ilog-Hilabangan 1,945 124
Panay 1,843 132
Agus 1,890 36
Tagoloan 1,704 106
Davao 1,623 150
Cagayan de Oro 1,521 90
Jalaur 1,503 123
Buayan-Malungon 1,434 60
Total 108,923
(Source: NWRB)

According to a report from the Bureau of Fisheries

and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of
Figure 2.10.1 Anilao River in Ormoc City, Philippines Agriculture (DA), there are 79 natural lakes in the
Philippines, which are utilized for fish production. Ten of
the lakes are considered as major hosts for aquaculture
2 | State of Water Resources production, including the Laguna Lake (Laguna de Bay),
which the largest inland freshwater body in the
The Philippines is an archipelagic country with a tropical Philippines. Since the country consists of numerous
and monsoon climate endowed with coastal bays, rivers, islands, the marine waters cover an area of about 266,000
lakes, and groundwater. It has abundant water resources km2, with a coastline length of 36,289 km. Around 70% of
with water availability of 5,302 m3/year/capita, which municipalities are located in coastal areas.
varies according to topography and season. River basins Surface water is the main water source for the
are classified according to size, by the National Water country. Another important source of water for domestic

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 Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

supply, irrigation, and industrial uses is in the form of an DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08 or the Water

Cambodia
extensive groundwater reservoir. Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of
2016. Of the 421 Principal Rivers, 180 suffer from water
3 | State of Ambient Water Quality pollution, mainly due to domestic wastes (fecal coliform)
and industrial and agricultural wastes. Monthly water

China
The rapid increase in population, urbanization, and quality monitoring conducted in 46 Priority Rivers during
industrial development has led to water quality 2019 found that 34 rivers were within the BOD criteria
degradation and deterioration. Figure 2.10.2 shows the and 37 were within the DO criteria. An additional 180

Indonesia
four key sources of water pollution. Water classification or rivers were monitored throughout the Philippines for DO,
reclassification based on the water quality criteria serves of which 82% were within the water quality guideline
as the benchmark for maintaining or improving the state value.
of water quality management in the Philippines. In 2019, With the intention of reducing floating garbage,
the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) completed which is noticeable in some waterways and creeks, the

Japan
its classification of 898 water bodies based on the uses country implemented the Adopt-an-Estero Waterbody
(such as public water supply, agricultural, aquacultural, Program. The measures implemented include increased
commercial, industrial, navigational, recreational, wildlife frequency of dredging and de-clogging activities,

Republic of Korea
conservation and aesthetic purposes) and water quality improved waste collection efficiency, faster flooding
to be maintained (EMB 2019). abatement, complementary local policies and programs
and employment for some communities along the
adopted waterbodies. After an extensive clean-up
11% carried out by 29,391 individuals from partner adopters,
33% Domes�c LGUs and communities within the adopted waterbodies,

Lao PDR
Industrial 2,065.3 tons of mixed solid waste were recovered. Of the
29% Agriculture and 407 esteros or waterbodies monitored in 2019, 153
livestocks
Non-point sources
exhibited significant improvement in BOD and 147

Malaysia
showed improvements in DO level.
27%

3.2 Lakes and Reservoirs

Figure 2.10.2 Major sources of water pollution in the Deterioration of water quality is one of the core
Philippines based on BOD loading (Source: EMB 2014)

Myanmar
management issues regarding the Laguna Lake (Laguna de
Bay). Pollution of the lake mainly derives from domestic
3.1 Rivers (77%), agriculture (11%), industry (11%) and forestry (1%)
There are 321 classified principal rivers with drainage sources. Table 2.10.3 summarizes the water quality from

Nepal
areas of 40 km2 or more for monitoring, accounting for lakes and of tributaries feeding into the Laguna Lake
76% of the country’s 421 Principal Rivers identified by (Laguna de Bay). While there have been improvements
NWRB (EMB 2019). The objective of monitoring principal in the water quality of the lake for several parameters,
rivers is to improve water quality and comply with the that of the tributaries is of Class D or Failed status. Philippines

Table 2.10.3 Observed water quality in the Laguna Lake (Laguna de Bay) and its tributaries in 2018
Class A Class B Class C Class D Failed
Sri Lanka

mg/L >5 >5 >5 2–5 <2

DO
% of monitoring points 100% (43%)* (19%) (38%)
mg/L <3 3–5 5–7 7–15 >15
BOD
% of monitoring points 100% (24%) (19%) (11%) (3%) (43%)
Thailand

mg/L ≤7 ≤7 ≤7 7–15 >15

NO3-
% of monitoring points 100% (100%)
mg/L ≤0.5 ≤0.5 ≤0.5 0.5–5 >5
PO43-
% of monitoring points 100% (47%) (50%) (3%)
Viet Nam

MPN/100 ml <1.1 1.1–100 100–200 200–400 >400

Fecal coliform
% of monitoring points (N/A) 100% (N/A) (N/A) (N/A) (N/A)
Note: There were a total of nine monitoring points in the lake and 35 along the tributaries; *figures in parentheses refer to tributaries
(Source: LLDA 2018)

103
 3.3 Coastal Water average 9.4 million kg of BOD was removed per year over
In 2019 the EMB monitored 39 priority recreational the most recent four-year period. The highest pollution
waters (bathing beaches) for Fecal Coliform and found load reduction was attained in 2012 with 9.5 million kg of
that 64% of beaches were within the water quality BOD removed.
guideline value. Similarly, pH was monitored in 33 There are ongoing and planned wastewater
recreational waters, 97% of which had values within treatment projects to treat domestic wastewater in
the criteria. In addition to priority bathing beaches, 174 major cities or under certain housing schemes.
bathing beaches were monitored for Fecal Coliform and
157 for pH, 97 of which passed the water quality criteria Industrial wastewater
for Class SB waters for Fecal Coliform and 151 passed the As of October 2017, there were 379 operating special
water quality standard for pH. Table 2.10.4 shows the economic zones in the Philippines; 261 Information
water quality state in the Manila Bay bathing beaches. Technology Parks, 74 Manufacturing Economic Zones, 22
Agro-Industrial Economic Zones, 20 Tourism Economic
Table 2.10.4 Average Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Phosphate Zones and 2 Medical Tourism Centers. Four zones are
(PO43-), and Nitrate (NO3-) in the Manila Bay Beaches
owned by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
(National Capital Region), 2018
while the remaining are privately owned. The majority of
Manila Bay Bathing Beaches Phosphate Nitrate manufacturing industries in the Philippines are located in
DO
Monitoring Station (PO 43- ) (NO 3- )
the National Capital Region (30%), Region 4A- Calabarzon
Navotas 2.59 0.2 0.33
(17%), and Region 3 - Central Luzon (11%).
Luneta 3.9 0.16 0.38 Industries that are known to generate large amounts
Cultural Center of the of wastewater are food and dairy manufacturing, pulp
2.8 0.33 0.36
Philippines (CCP) and paper, and textiles, though very little related data
Mall of Asia (MOA) 0.9 0.51 0.33 exists. Volumes generated by each industry depend
PEATC 4.9 0.25 0.33 mainly on the level of technical processing and
Water Quality Guidelines Class production rates, as shown in Table 2.10.5.
6 0.5 10
“SB” DAO 2016–08
(Source: EMB 2019) Table 2.10.5 Estimated wastewater generation rates of
selected industry types in the Philippines
Wastewater volume
3.4 Groundwater Industry from industrial use
The status of groundwater quality is assessed through the (‘process wastewater’) (m 3/day)
Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water under Poultry processing plant 1,750
the Tap Watch Program of the EMB, which monitors Meat and meat products 75–380
88 shallow wells in the country. Under the program, it
Mining 67,500
was found that nearly 58% of groundwater samples in
selected sampling sites were contaminated with coliform, Pharmaceuticals 50–200
manufacturing
meaning treatment is required. The increased level of
Milk manufacturing 960
salinity in groundwater is another concern, especially
near coastal areas of major cities such as Metro Manila Ethanol manufacturing 3,100
and Metro Cebu, the cause of which is assumed to be Sugarcane milling 100,000
over-abstraction of groundwater. Beverage manufacturing 13,000

Packaging 60
4 | State of Wastewater Treatment
Food processing 500
Domestic wastewater Pineapple processing 6,540
Only 10% of domestic wastewater is treated, while (Source: ARCOWA 2018)
only 5% of the total population is connected to a sewer
network. Those not connected rely on septic tanks, pit Industrial wastewater generally contains high BOD
latrines, or practice open defecation, while the vast loads and other kinds of pollutants, depending on the
majority use flush toilets connected to septic tanks while. type of manufacturing process. Table 2.10.6 shows the
In Metro Manila, 43 sewage treatment plants (STPs) indicative wastewater quality of selected industry types.
and septage treatment plants (SpTPs) serve over a Individual companies have obligations to manage
million residents (around 9%) of the population. An their wastewater either as stand-alone entities or as part

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 Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

Table 2.10.6 Indicative wastewater quality of selected industry types in the Philippines

Cambodia
Industry BOD (mg/L) COD (mg/L) TSS (mg/L) Temp. (˚C) pH
Sugarcane milling 2,000–3,500 6,000 800–1,000 – 6.5–8.0
Ethanol manufacturing 60,000 110,000 6,000 48–50 4–4.5

China
Fish product canning 30,000 45000 10,700 25 6.5–7.5
Beverage manufacturing 900 1,500 250 25 44,147
Meat processing 1,000–1,500 2,000 250 - 7

Indonesia
Copper cathode - - 43 30.4 8.15
Swine farms 2,000–4,200 4,000–5,429 1,600–5,380 - -
Bottling services 400 1,647.05 90 32.2 8.35
Desiccated coconut
6,000–10,000 17,000–20,000 2,000–4,000 - 5.0–6.3
manufacturing

Japan
Pineapple processing 10,200 20,000 585 40–50 4.5–6.5
(Source: ARCOWA 2018)

Republic of Korea
of an industrial park. Ideally, the process wastewater and The wastewater charge formula was established in
other non-domestic wastewater are pre-treated by 2005 (DAO 2005-10) on the basis of payment to the
industries before discharging the effluent into the government for discharging wastewater into water
sewerage system of the industrial park. Many industrial bodies in all water management areas. The concept
parks operate their own, however, these are still required behind this was to incentivize those who discharge
to comply with pre-treatment effluent standards pollutants to reduce their pollution loads, such as

Lao PDR
established by the industrial park before discharge into through improved production processes and investment
the centralized wastewater treatment facility (CWTF) of in pollution control technologies. DENR also issues
the park. The CWTF within the industrial park shall discharge permits for wastewater, which include the

Malaysia
further treat the effluent from industries before allowable values of both quantity and quality of effluents,
discharging it into bodies of water or reuse for compliance schedule and monitoring requirements.
landscaping, irrigation or other purposes. Recent
regulations on nutrients have been a challenge for CWTF 5 | Frameworks for Water

Myanmar
operators as existing treatment systems are not designed Environmental Management
to remove nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates to
the levels required. 5.1 Legislation
For industries not located within an industrial park, The Philippines has an extensive body of water-related

Nepal
effluent must comply with the Philippine Effluent legislation that provides the legal basis for policies and
Standards, DAO 2016-08. However, some industries find regulations concerning water resource management
managing wastewater challenging as they have to of the country. The Philippine Clean Water Act of
develop their own expertise to comply with effluent 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275 (RA 9275)) provides a Philippines
standards set either by the special economic zone or comprehensive and Integrated strategy to prevent
with general effluent standards. and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
Individual companies generally collect and report participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.
their wastewater volume data as required by the The Act aims to protect the country's water bodies
Sri Lanka

regulations, though there is no national database from pollution from land-based sources (industries and
collating all these data. Individual industrial facilities, commercial establishments, agriculture, and community/
outside of special economic zones, need to acquire a household activities). The Act applies to water quality
wastewater discharge permit and are responsible for the management in all water bodies, abatement and control
Thailand

quality of their discharge to surface waters. From the of pollution from land-based sources, and enforcement
monitoring conducted by the EMB, rivers of the regions of water quality standards, regulations and penalties.
had “unsatisfactory ratings” for their water quality Under Section 5 of RA 9275, Department of
Viet Nam

criteria. In areas of regulation, in the Manila Bay Area Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in
alone, 5,228 out of 10,168 industries were served with coordination with the National Water Resources Board
Notices of Violation (NOV) for failure to acquire permits (NWRB) designates Water Quality Management Areas
to discharge treated wastewater. (WQMA) using appropriate physiographic units such as

105
 watershed, river basins or water resources regions. As Administrative Order No. 2016-08 (DAO 2016-08) (an
such, WQMA have similar hydrological, hydrogeological, amendment of DAO 1990-35). DAO 2016-08 has a
meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the provision for the water classification of water bodies for
physiochemical, biological and bacteriological reactions the purpose of maintaining the quality of water based on
and diffusions of pollutants in the water bodies or beneficial usage (Table 2.10.8).
otherwise share common interest or face similar The water quality guidelines (WQG) are to be
development programs, prospects or problems. maintained for each water body classification, the
Governing boards, composed of relevant stakeholders in parameters of which are categorized as primary or
each WQMA and chaired by DENR regional offices, are secondary. Primary parameters are the required
responsible for the development of strategies to minimum water quality parameters to be monitored for
coordinate policies, regulations/local legislation, and each water body. Secondary parameters are those used
other measures necessary to effectively implement the in baseline assessments as part of an environmental
Clean Water Act. impact assessment or other water quality monitoring
The Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent purposes.
Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) provide guidelines for
the classification of water bodies in the country, Water quality monitoring framework
determination of time trends and the evaluation of Regional offices of EMB conduct regular water quality
stages of deterioration/enhancement in water quality, monitoring throughout the country based on the
and evaluation of the need for taking actions in parameters indicated in DAO 2016-08. From 2001
preventing, controlling, or abating water pollution. to 2016, 238 water bodies were monitored either for
Other legislations related to water environmental classification or for regular water quality monitoring, and
conservation are the Philippines Environmental Policy depending on the resources, monitoring is carried out
(PD 1151) and the Solid Waste Management Act (RA monthly or quarterly in accordance with the DENR-EMB
9003). EMB is the governmental agency responsible for Water Quality Monitoring manual (2009).
water conservation and protection.
5.4 Effluent Standards
5.2 Institutional Arrangement Effluent standards
The lead agency for water resource management is the DAO 2016-08 states that discharges from any point
Department of Environment and Natural Resources source shall at all times meet the effluent standards,
(DENR). Its mandates are to formulate, integrate, and Section 7 of the same states that discharges from
coordinate, supervise, and implement all policies, any point sources shall at all times meet the effluent
plans, programs, projects and activities relative to standards set forth to maintain the required water
the prevention and control of pollution as well as quality per water body classification. The GES is to be
management and enhancement of environment. used regardless of the industry category and volume of
The responsibility for planning and managing water discharge. Effluent used for agricultural purposes shall
resources in the Philippines is shared among several conform to DAO 2007-26 and shall at all times meet the
government departments, bureaus and agencies (Table effluent standards.
2.10.7). In addition, local government units (LGUs) are
required to provide water supply systems, communal Effluent inspection procedure
irrigation facilities, implement social forestry and local Monitoring in the industry is conducted at different
flood control projects under the supervision and control levels (Table 2.10.9), and can only be carried out by
of DENR (SEPO 2011). A number of institutions and the subjects needing to comply with effluent standards
agencies are involved in overseeing water governance at themselves, in principle. The documents to be submitted
all levels. include monitoring reports (self-monitoring), plans,
required permits (discharge permits) or other proof of
5.3 Ambient Water Quality Standards compliance or implementation. Field monitoring for
Ambient water quality standards verification involves actual plant inspection, effluent
The Philippines uses its Water Quality Guidelines and sampling and validation of submitted reports.
General Effluent Standards (GES) of 2016 by DENR

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 Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

Table 2.10.7 Key institutions involved in water governance in the Philippines

Cambodia
Name of the agency Mandates of the agency
Department of Environment The primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper
and Natural Resources (DENR) use of the country’s environment and natural resources.
National Water Resources To administer/enforce the Water code and serve as the lead coordinator for water resources management
Board (NWRB) programs.

China
To formulate, integrate, coordinate, supervise, and implement all policies, plans, programs, projects, and
Environmental Management
activities related to the prevention and control of pollution as well as management and enhancement of the
Bureau (EMB)
environment.
Forest Management Bureau To formulate/implement policies and programs for the protection, development, occupancy management,

Indonesia
(FMB) and conservation of forest lands and watershed areas.
Department of Agriculture
National Irrigation To undertake water resource projects for agricultural irrigation and other purposes, such as flood control and
Administration (NIA) drainage.
Bureau of Soil and Water To formulate/implement policies and programs for the protection of existing and potential sources of soil and

Japan
Management (BSWM) water for agricultural development.
Bureau of Fisheries and To establish plans for the proper protection and management of the country’s fisheries and aquatics
Aquatic Resources (BFAR) resources.
Department of Health (DOH) Administers compliance of the country’s National Standard for Drinking Water Program.

Republic of Korea
Department of Interior and Administers implementation of the country’s National Water Supply and Sanitation Program; mandated to
Local Government (DILG) oversee attainment of the country’s SDG goal on access to safe drinking water by all.
To provide capacity building programs for Local; Government Units (LGUs) in preparing local water supply
Water Supply and
and sanitation plans as well as providing information on available sector programs, and facilitating access to
Sanitation Unit
financing for water supply and sanitation projects.
Department of Public Works
Primary agency for implementing the country’s national Sewerage and Septage Management.
and Highways (DPWH)

Lao PDR
National Economic and To coordinate the preparation of national/regional/sectorial development policies and investment programs,
Development Authority (NEDA) including those on sanitation.
National Power Corporation To develop and manage electric generation facilities including (but not limited to) hydroelectric dams and
(NPC) undertakes other activities related to watershed management.
Administers governance of MM area development such as infrastructure development, law enforcement of
Metro Manila Development

Malaysia
environmental laws - solid waste management, Clean Water Act, Water Code of the Philippines, Clean Air
Authority (MMDA)
Act, etc.
Metropolitan Waterworks and To regulate water concessionaires’ rates and services standards in Metro Manila and maintain existing assets
Sewerage System (MWSS) and infrastructures.
Pasig River Rehabilitation Coordinate and integrate, and monitor the implementation of all Government Agencies plans, and programs

Myanmar
Commission (PRRC) for the rehabilitation of Pasig river.
To formulate, regulate and implement all policies, plans, programs, projects and activities related to the
Laguna Lake Development
prevention and control of pollution as well as management and enhancement of environment in the Laguna
Authority (LLDA)
Lake Region.
Local Water Utilities To promote, finance, and regulate the operation and construction of local water utilities outside Metro
Administration (LWUA) Manila.

Nepal
Administration/management of rivers within the jurisdiction of the LGUs and implementation of Ecological
Local Government Units (LGUs)
Solid Waste Management Act within its area of political and jurisdictional responsibility.

Table 2.10.8 Classification of water bodies according to intended beneficial use Philippines
Classification Intended Beneficial Use
Public Water Supply Class I – Intended primarily for waters having watersheds, which are uninhabited and otherwise
Class AA protected, and which require only approved disinfection to meet the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water
(PNSDW)
Sri Lanka

Public Water Supply Class II – For sources of water supply requiring conventional treatment (coagulation, sedimentation,
Class A
filtration and disinfection) to meet the latest PNSDW
Class B Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact recreation (bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.)
Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources. Recreational Water Class II (Boating,
Class C
fishing or similar activities). For agriculture, irrigation, and livestock watering)
Thailand

Table 2.10.9 Monitoring of industries

Level Responsible Person/Office Report Requirement
Self-Monitoring Report (SMR) and/or
Project Proponent/Company Pollution Control Officer
Viet Nam

(CMR) Compliance Monitoring Report

Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team headed by the company composed of various Stakeholders
Audit Report/CMR
or Third Party Monitoring (LGUs, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and other sectors)
Regulating body EMB Central Office/EMB-Regional Offices Compliance Evaluation Report

107
 Measures against non-compliance processes and techniques, and activities. Incentives for
The Clean Water Act requires owners or operators of industries are also provided, such as tax and duty
facilities that discharge regulated effluents to obtain a exemptions for industrial wastewater treatment/
discharge permit, which is a legal authorization granted collection facilities.
by the DENR to discharge wastewater. The permit
specifies items such as quantity and quality of effluent, 6 | Recent Developments in
compliance schedule and monitoring requirements, and Water Environmental Management
can be suspended or revoked if business entities fall out
of compliance with the rules and regulations and/or One development is DAO 2019-15, which has designated
permit conditions. the Boracay Island Water Quality Management and
A n u m b e r o f i n d u st r i e s a n d co m m e rc i a l Conservation Area (WQMACA) as well as creation of its
establishments are still unable to comply with the Governing Board, the objective of which is to protect
effluent standards despite the availability of technology and continuously improve water quality and sustain
to treat wastewater. As shown in Table 2.10.10, about livelihood opportunities in the island. Under a clean-
54% or 4,930 of the 9,060 monitored firms nationwide up initiative of Boracay Beach areas, several notices of
were found to have violated effluent standards in 2019. violation (NOVs) and cease and desist orders (CDOs) have
There are still micro-, small and medium-sized been issued to various commercial establishments in
enterprises which do not invest in facilities to treat their Boracay Beach areas (prime tourist destination), Province
wastewater prior to discharge to water bodies resulting of Aklan, regarding violations of the Clean Water Act.
in the degradation of rivers, lakes and marine waters. Various establishments were also demolished, due to
violations of the easement rule under the Water Code of
Table 2.10.10 Percentage of compliance of firms in 2018
and 2019 the Philippines.
Details 2018 2019 Another is DAO 2018-12, which has designated two
Discharge permits issued 6,010 5,929
Water Quality Management Areas and their Governing
Boards, for the Upper and Lower Amburayan River
Monitored firms 9,554 9,060
System (UARS/LARS). This DAO aims to ensure water
Notices of violation issued 4,959 4,930
quality of the UARS and its tributaries to make it a
Percentage of compliance 48% 46% sustainable resource for the people of the municipalities
(Source: EMB 2019)
of Atok, Bakun, Buguias, Kapangan, Kibungan and Tublay
Those who violate the GES are referred to the and their communities. In LARS, improvement in water
Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) for issuance of a quality is expected to contribute to enhancement as a
“Cease and Desist Order” (CDO). Upon recommendation source of water irrigation and other agricultural uses in
of the PAB, anyone who commits any of the prohibited the Provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur.
acts or violates any of the provisions of this Act and its Regarding Manila Bay, an ongoing large-scale ground
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) may be fined inspection/rehabilitation is underway, involving issuance
not less than 10,000 PHP but not more than 200,000 o f N OVs a n d C D O s to v i o l at i n g co m m e rc i a l
PHP for every day of violation. Failure to undertake establishments/hotels for failure to establish STPs/
clean-up operations, willfully or through gross wastewater treatment plants. Part of the clean-up
negligence, can lead to imprisonment of not less than activities of the bay area and its tributaries undertaken
two but not more than four years, in addition to a fine of by the DENR-NCR MBSCMO under KRA 2 include
not less than 50,000 PHP but not more than 100,000 Installation of trash traps at Baseco Lagoon, fabrication
PHP per day of violation. In cases where such failure or of two trash collector rafts with capacity of 552 kg loads,
refusal to clean-up results in serious injury or loss of life inspection of rivers and esteros, coordination meetings
or irreversible water contamination, imprisonment of with concerned stakeholders, and launching of the
not less than six years (but not more than 12 years) and a Manila Bay Watch Bike Patrollers. Over 1.2 million kg of
fine of 500,000 PHP per day for each violation will be solid wastes were collected and removed from Manila
applied. Bay area and its tributaries.
On the other hand, rewards are provided to Clean-up drives are also active in other major beach
individuals, private organizations and other entities from areas of prime tourist destinations in the Mimaropa
the National Water Quality Management Fund for region, namely: Coron, El Nido and San Vicente, in
outstanding and innovative projects, technologies, Palawan, and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, San

108
 Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

Jose in Occidental Mindoro; Panglao, Bohol and Siargao,

Cambodia
Agusan Del Norte. NOVs and CDOs have been issued to
various commercial establishments in violation of the
Clean Water Act, and various establishments were
demolished in violation of the easement rule under the

China
Water Code of the Philippines.

7 | Challenges and Future Plans

Indonesia
With the foundation for sustainable water quality
management already laid out, the main challenge
now lies in the continuation of existing water quality
management policies and programs to rehabilitate

Japan
and preserve the quality of the country’s water bodies,
and ultimately, achieve and sustain quality of life for
future generations. Weak water use regulations and

Republic of Korea
fragmentation in the water agencies cause coordination
issues and weak enforcement. Other challenges include
maintaining water quality against drivers and pressures,
such as high water demand and limited supply,
indiscriminate land use and development, increasing
volumes of solid wastes, pollutants, and hazardous

Lao PDR
wastes, and inadequate treatment facilities. Science-
based data and information is needed for efficient and
effective planning and decision making to improve

Malaysia
water quality governance. For that, it is important to
increase access to the new knowledge and technologies
generated from international R&D standards.
The major responses planned or undertaken to

Myanmar
overcome the challenges include:
• Meetings with concerned agencies to tackle issues
and concerns as well as take appropriate actions
• Review, reorganize, reevaluate, and update legal and

Nepal
institutional framework for effective and proper
handling of water management
• Study and implementation of participatory water Philippines
governance model
• Improve planning and decision-making processes
• Create a cost-effective long-term plan/framework to
Sri Lanka

help address issues in water management, especially

in reducing long-term costs, potential increases in
waste, and implications resulting from the lack of
available clean water
Thailand

• Conduct trainings and seminars to inform, educate

and properly disseminate information regarding
water management and water environment
governance
Viet Nam

• Conduct workshops on various technologies used in

water resources management

109