Sewerage master plan pushed

MANILA, Philippines —  A proposed comprehensive sewerage master plan is gaining momentum in Cebu province, aiming to address long-standing sanitation gaps as most households with septic tanks still lack proper sludge removal services.

Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro has expressed full support for the initiative, urging stronger coordination among stakeholders to fast-track solutions to the region’s worsening wastewater management concerns.

In a post by the Cebu Provincial Government, Baricuatro made the assurance during the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting on March 24, 2026, where she reiterated the province’s commitment to the “Master Plan Study on Comprehensive Sewerage System Development of Metro Cebu.”

“We commit to working closely with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and MCWD (Metro Cebu Water District) towards the realization of the proposed projects under this Master Plan,” the governor said.

The study, being developed in partnership with JICA, the City of Yokohama, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), and MCWD, is expected to deliver long-term solutions to septage and sewage issues affecting key urban areas.

Covered under the proposed plan are the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Liloan, Consolacion, Compostela, and Cordova.

The JCC meeting, convened by JICA and the City of Yokohama, also served as a venue for presenting initial findings, with Mandaue City identified as the site for a pre-feasibility study on a wastewater management system.

“Together, we will move forward with urgency, coordination, and a shared sense of responsibility for our people—kay Ato ang Sugbo,” Baricuatro said.

The governor also cited lessons from Japan, recalling her recent visit where she observed advanced waste management systems.

“I was truly impressed by their level of waste management and how basic infrastructure plays a key role in protecting lives and securing the future for the next generation. It is something we can learn from and adapt here in Cebu,” she added.

During the presentation, JICA expert team leader Deguche Yosuke disclosed that 91 percent of households in Metro Cebu have septic tanks, whether lined or unlined. However, he noted that more than half lack access to sludge removal services.

This raises environmental and public health concerns, as untreated wastewater may seep into the ground or contaminate nearby water sources.

The master plan aims to systematically address these issues through the development of sewerage infrastructure and septage treatment facilities over the coming decades.

Projections presented during the meeting showed that the full development of sewerage service areas in Metro Cebu is targeted for completion by 2030, while the first septage treatment plant is expected to begin operations by 2038 as part of a phased rollout.

Japan’s Consul General to Cebu, Ueno Yudai, reaffirmed his country’s support for the project as the Philippines and Japan mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.

“With this milestone, we remain fully committed to work hand-in-hand with all of you here towards creating a greener, richer, healthier Cebu community,” Ueno said, adding that the collaboration is expected to produce “a practical, forward-looking solution” to Metro Cebu’s wastewater challenges.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano described the master plan as both urgent and necessary, stressing the need for interim measures.

“We also support the proposed interim solution, including septage treatment, as we work toward a long-term centralized sewerage system. We understand that this is a phased process, and we are fully committed to doing our part,” Ouano said.

Meanwhile, MCWD Board Chairperson Rene Almendras emphasized the urgency of starting the long-term project.

“This project goes beyond our lifetime, but we have to do it now,” Almendras said. “This is a project that should be done fast, soon, and to be done well.”

Engr. Paulo Dala of LWUA echoed the need for collective action, saying the initiative would only succeed if all stakeholders fulfill their roles.

“This is only going to be successful if everyone did their part,” Dala said.

MCWD General Manager John DX Lapid highlighted the broader responsibility tied to wastewater management.

“We don’t own the earth, we borrowed it from our children,” Lapid said, describing the initiative as an “inter-generational responsibility.”

The JCC meeting marked the second such gathering since the project’s launch in 2024, bringing together local chief executives, national agencies, and international partners to advance a unified approach to Metro Cebu’s wastewater challenges.