The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it can now build a second and bigger sewage treatment plant (STP) in Puerto Galera after receiving a 1.14-hectare property donation in the island.
DENR said it can start next month the construction of a P194-million facility with 3,000 cubic meters capacity that is expected to be operational by the last quarter of 2020. This project is part of efforts to preserve the island’s waters and marine resources.
Around 2,000 square meters (sq.m.) of the donated property by the heirs of the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin will be used for the STP, while a sub-office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office will be built in the remaining 9,444 sq.m., according to DENR.
Roy Cimatu, environment secretary, said having a second STP and a DENR satellite office within Puerto Galera’s white beach would enhance efforts to preserve the area and help avoid another Boracay or the temporary closure of a tourist destination because of environmental problems.
“Puerto Galera was ahead of Boracay in terms of gaining international attention as a major tourist destination and I commend its local executives and stakeholders for taking a proactive stance to prevent a Boracay-like scenario in Puerto Galera,” Cimatu said.
Puerto Galera’s first STP, costing P100 million, became fully operational last December and has since been treating 1,750 cubic meters of uncontrolled wastewater per day.
