CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The new septage treatment plant project for Metro Cebu has finally broken ground at the North Reclamation Area (NRA), marking a major milestone in the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen sanitation services and protect its waterways.
The project is being carried out by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Toda Corporation, and the City of Yokohama, with full support from the Cebu City Government.
The groundbreaking ceremony gathered new leaders–Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, MCWD’s new General Manager Jorge Gabriente, newly appointed Chairman Ruben Almendras, and new board member Mariefel Roble, alongside Provincial Board member Jodelyn May Seno.
They were joined by Japanese Consul-General to Cebu Yudai Ueno, JICA Senior Representative Aoki Nobuhiko, and Toda Corporation General Manager Oku Hajime, together with project partners and MCWD personnel.
Mayor Archival underscored the significance of the project to the Cebuanos and the rest: “This facility is a major step in safeguarding our waterways and strengthening the health of our people. I am grateful for the strong collaboration between the local government, MCWD, and our international partners. This project reflects our shared commitment to environmental protection and the well-being of our communities.”
Currently, Cebu City’s treatment plant has the capacity to process only 120 cubic meters of sludge per day. This limitation has long hindered effective wastewater management.
The new facility will increase capacity by an additional 150 cubic meters per day, bringing the total treatment capacity to 270 cubic meters.
This expansion is expected to significantly reduce pollution risks, improve sanitation services, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier Metro Cebu.
A septage treatment plant is a facility designed to safely process waste collected from septic tanks.
Septage contains high concentrations of organic matter, pathogens, and pollutants, and if not properly managed, it can contaminate water sources and pose serious health risks.
In the Philippines, the Clean Water Act of 2004 and the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) mandate local government units and water districts to establish such systems where sewerage networks are not available.
These plants are crucial for protecting water resources, reducing disease risks, and ensuring sustainable urban growth.
The North Reclamation Area has long been identified as a site for wastewater management initiatives. As early as 1995, the area—then known as the AMCON site—was designated for a proposed septage treatment plant.
The 13,711-square-meter property was originally constructed and maintained by the Public Estates Authority (PEA), which donated it to the City of Cebu in 1981. A subsequent deed in 1991 granted the city full ownership of the facility.
In March 2019, the Cebu City Government turned over operations of the septage treatment plant to MCWD through a Deed of Usufruct, later formalized in 2022.
In 2023, a grant agreement was signed between JICA and the Philippine government, officially designating MCWD as the implementing agency for the expansion project.
This institutional continuity has ensured that the facility’s legacy of public service continues under modernized standards.
For Metro Cebu, the new plant represents more than just infrastructure. It is a collective commitment to environmental stewardship, public health, and sustainable urban growth.
With the city’s population and economic activity steadily rising, the facility is expected to play a vital role in ensuring that development remains resilient and that Cebu’s waterways are protected for generations to come.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/RAE
